Domestic

Domestic

Azerbaijan strengthened its position in the world, President Ilham Aliyev

19 December 2011 22:53 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva have today opened the Sumgait Olympic Sports Complex, APA reports.
The Head of State cut a ribbon symbolizing the opening of the facility.
Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov informed the President and Mrs. Aliyeva about the Complex.
As stated, the construction with total area of 13,477 square meters started in 2007.
The Head of State and his spouse viewed a 3-storey building of the complex.
The facility has gym, cinema hall, 800-seat universal sports hall, swimming pool and canteen.
President Ilham Aliyev and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva also viewed the 3-storey hotel in the Complex.
The President and his spouse were presented a catalogue reflecting national sports costumes of Azerbaijan`s Olympic athletes.
President Ilham Aliyev also familiarized himself with the football pitch.
Then, the Azerbaijani leader met with local residents and sportsmen.

â€œIn every country, sport is a very important area for development. I am very glad that sport develops very successfully in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a sports power, and victory of our athletes make us happy. In our country have been held international sport events including World Boxing Championship. It is not for the first time, we hold an international competition in Azerbaijan. Always all the guests noted that competitions are conducted at a high level and our organizational capabilities are at a very high level. This year, new sports complexes were put into operation in the regions. Four Olympic sports complex were built in Tovuz, Imishli, Gabala and Sumgait. This process continues. At the moment other 10 Olympic sports complexes are being built or are prepared for construction.
We pay very much attention for the Development of Sumgait. There are concrete plans to turn Sumgait into a modern industrial center. In fact, Sumgait, formed, created as an industrial city. Now Sumgait develops as a modern industrial city. Industrial enterprises are created and built, will be built and will play an important role in the industrialization program of Azerbaijan. We are already in the first phase of this program. A large Sumgait industrial park was created and there are about 10 new businesses.

At the next stage an industrial town will be set up in Sumgait, which will consist of new chemical plants. Appropriate instructions were given for this purpose. Big enterprises, as well as excellent facilities for small and medium businesses will be created with the participation of both public and private sectorsâ€, said President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev also noted that Azerbaijan is finishing 2011 with success. â€œ2011 was successful for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan strengthened its position in the world, a situation in the country is very positive. There are development, construction, renovation everywhere-in big cities, small villages, everywhere. This is our strategic line. Azerbaijan develops successfully and moves on forward. We have a lot to do in future. I am sure that all the considered plans will be realizedâ€, said Ilham Aliyev.

Then President Ilham Aliyev presented honorary diplomas, certificates and orders of apartments to a group of sportsmen who made contributions to Olympic movement in the country and achieved successes in various sports competitions.
On behalf of Sumgait residents and sportsmen, senior coach of Azerbaijan freestyle wrestling team Firdovsi Umudov thanked the Head of State.