(ATR) The President of the Associated National Olympic Committees said that hosting its 2015 General Assembly the United States can "return" to the Olympic family.
Washington, D.C. will be the host city, marking the first ANOC event in the U.S. since 1994.
Sheikh Ahmad spoke to reporters on Saturday about plans for the next assembly and what hosting the event means for the United States.
"We already had a good meeting they are already in an advanced stage; we already have the hotel, the headquarters and all the other hotels," Sheikh Ahmad said.
"We have received very close cooperation for the visa for the immigration and all the important things for the NOCs."
Sheikh Ahmad commented on the timing of the meeting as the United States prepares to launch a bid for the 2024 Olympics. The 2024 bid process will begin in 2015 once the 2022 race is over. Other bids are expected from France, Germany, Italy and other countries.
"This is the best time for the United States to come back. I think this will be an opportunity for the USOC with their cooperation to build the trust again."
"It will be very nice to be back. For a long time we are not there but it is a beautiful city and it is good to be back ."
Sheikh Ahmad also listed resolutions approved at the general assembly in Bangkok.
The resolutions included the support of the NOCs for the Olympic Agenda 2020 reform proposals, and the establishment of the ANOC Gala Awards Dinner and ANOC World Beach Games.
The inaugural Gala Awards will become a tradition being staged every two years following every Games. The Awards recognize the best Olympians for their performances while also commending National Olympic Committees.
Sheikh Ahmad also said it was too soon to discuss possible sites for the premier edition of the World Beach Games, although numerous locations have expressed interest.
"We are discussing and coordinating with other sport organizations – yes, there are many cities interested in hosting the beach games, but it not just about starting the Beach Games," he said.
"We should have all the criteria, the rules, the marketing, the confidence of the host city, the broadcasting and then we will go and announce some city," the Sheikh said.
"We have the example of the Beach Games in Asia, where we will go next week to Phuket," Sheikh Ahmad said about the 4th edition of the event, scheduled for November 14-23.
IOC President Bach congratulated Sheikh Ahmad on a "really excellent" General Assembly which had displayed "the great spirit and unity of the Olympic Movement".
He added: "The record number of NOCs present shows the unity and determination of the NOCs to work for an even brighter future.
"All in all I think this General Assembly has shown the cooperation between ANOC and the IOC is closer and better than ever. Together we can move forward," concluded President Bach.
Written by Brian Pinelli and Aaron Bauer in Bangkok.
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