The President has greeted the guests and noted that preparations to the European Olympic Games has launched: "It's a big responsibility, as it is the first European Games. This is a big test. I hope that together we can achieve the goal - to organize one of the best games in the history of the Olympic Movement. That's our goal. Now we are working very actively. Certainly, presentations will take place today, and tomorrow . Of course, your advice will be greatly appreciated."
The Head of the State also mentioned that Azerbaijan hosted European and World Championships: “The European game - it's a different level of competition, which, of course, requires special attention”.
The next speaker, President of European Olympic Committee Patrick Hickey mentioned his visit to Azerbaijan in 2001: “I remember well my first visit to Azerbaijan in 2001, when you were managing actively the National Olympic Committee. We are proud of that now you are head of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan as well". Patrick Hickey noted that European Games will achieve great success in Baku: “ In Europe, there is great interest in these games. I think that thanks to the cooperation of both sides, we will achieve great success.”
President of the Olympic Committee of Greece Spyros Kapralos thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the decision to host the first European Games: "This will be a very significant event for your country"
Expressing his gratitude to the European Olympic family for the decision to hold this international sports event in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev stressed that it was a very important and symbolic decision and assessed it as a high confidence to Azerbaijan. The Head of State said: “I think that Azerbaijan is able to organize such a high level international event ”.
The President noted that there are 2 years for preparations: “We will try to organize these games at a high level, and, of course, it will remain in the history of European Olympic family as the first Games. It will form the specific criteria for future games. I hope that together we will achieve our goal.
Vice-President of the European Olympic Committee Alexander Kozlovsky, expressed his satisfaction that the first European Games will be held in Baku: "Over the past few years Baku has changed beyond recognition. Today Baku has become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as well as in the world. When we came here we have witnessed large construction works everywhere. I am sure that in a few years we will witness further development of Baku. "
A.Kozlovsky addressed President Ilham Aliyev on the inclusion of Sambo in the program of the upcoming Baku European games.
The Head of State noted that Sambo is very popular in Azerbaijan and there are several world champions on Sambo. President Ilham Aliyev stressed that this issue will be reviewed.
Then the head of state said that in Azerbaijan, the existing and constructed sports infrastructure will allow to conduct the competition on the high level. He noted that Gymnastics Centre, Palace of water sports, the Olympic Stadium are under construction and the reconstruction of previously constructed facilities continue: "Holding European Games in Baku shows that there is a European heritage for centuries. At the same time, it shows that Azerbaijan can host not only a song contest "Eurovision", but also the European Games. One of our main goals - to create such an atmosphere in the city that athletes, guests, and tourists, who will visit Baku for the first time, feel comfortable and safe as home, enjoy this exciting international event. "
Member of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committee, President of Olympic Committee of Slovenia Janez Kocijancic noted the importance of upcoming European Games in Azerbaijan and wished success to Azerbaijan to organize high level event.
Patrick Hickey expressed his pride that the organizing committee is headed by the First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, noted that the chairmanship of Mrs Aliyeva in the organizing committee of the "Eurovision" was successful: "According to the opinion of the European Broadcasting Union, as well as organizers of events of this kind, the competition was organized very well, it was one of the best competitions for recent years. She has a good experience. She is also a member of the Olympic family for over ten years, is the President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation. She is a member of the National Olympic Committee. I am proud that in the six years before becoming president of the country since 1997, I am the president of the National Olympic Committee. This shows that I did not become the head of the Olympic Committee, taking advantage of my position as the president of the state. I came to this position from the Olympic family. Frankly, I am very pleased that I still hold this position, as this shows the direction of our policy in general, and creates additional confidence to athletes. They see that the President is also the President of the National Olympic Committee. At the same time, I really appreciate a personal friendship with the president of the European Olympic Committee. We've known each other for over 10 years. I am also pleased with such a broad organization of the Coordinating Committee. This is a good indicator of our partnership, and I think it will play a significant role in the organization of this important international event from a practical point of view. "
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