KAUNAS - Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LBF) President Arvydas Sabonis has hailed his country's decision to co-operate on a range of issues with their counterparts from the French Basketball Federation (FFBB).

Sabonis was speaking after spending a week on French soil with LBF Secretary General Mindaugas Spokas to learn more about how their partners are achieving success in France.

"We knew that the French Federation is working spectacularly and now we have seen it with our own eyes - it's impressive," mused Sabonis.

"However, they would also like to learn some things from us too, as we can also be useful for them.

"This came from initiatives and co-operation between the two sides and also the fact that they really do appreciate and respect Lithuanian basketball."

The leaders of the LBF met in Paris with FFBB President Jean-Pierre Siutat.

They were also introduced to a range of Federation employees who are part of a 130-strong FFBB workforce.

Sabonis and Spokas were shown around the home of French basketball - a six-storey building which houses the administrative centre of the FFBB and its basketball museum.

The pair also spent time looking at the renowned National Sports and Physical Education Institute (INSEP) - a programme which has contributed to the development of stellar names such as Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.

"It is an exciting young players' training system," acknowledged Sabonis.

"We learned some interesting ideas."

The two national federations also discussed a variety of other issues relating to the sport, including the role of basketball agents which is strictly regulated by national legislation in France.

There were also comparisons made in respect of registrations of players and officials, while the two countries are set to arrange a series of games at various levels next year and also co-operative basketball camps to be facilitated in each nation.

FIBA