Baku, June 13, AZERTAC

Sport correspondent of Italian La Repubblica newspaper Cosimo Cito has hailed the Opening Ceremony of Baku 2015 First European Games.

Accompanied by Italian archaeologist Paola Carita, he visited the headquarters of Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), where they met its Director General Aslan Aslanov.

“We are really surprised with the spectacular, grandiose Opening Ceremony of the inaugural European Games,” said Mr Cito.

“We watched the show with great interest and are really impressed with the size of the Olympic Stadium.” “Baku presented a magnificent show to the world,” he added.

Mr Aslanov provided an insight into the activity and international relations of AZERTAC. “The agency has gone through a great development path over its 95 year long history.”

The Director General said AZERTAC was a member of international media organizations, including EANA, OANA and BSANNA. “We maintain cooperation with news agencies of more than 100 countries worldwide, and have 21 bureaus abroad. AZERTAC also has multi-faceted bilateral relations with Italian ANSA and AGI news agencies.”

On international events hosted by Azerbaijan, the Director General said the holding the first ever European Games in the country was not coincidence. “This recognizes Azerbaijan`s great achievements, and the country`s positive image on the international scene.”

“AZERTAC is the official media partner of Baku 2015 First European Games, and is promoting the Games through its partners,” he said.

The Director General applauded the role of First Lady of Azerbaijan, president of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva in the development of relations between the two countries, particular in deepening cooperation in cultural area. “The restoration of the Roman catacombs at the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva, the repair works carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the Hall of Philosophers of Rome`s Capitoline Museum are the projects aimed at preserving the cultural heritage in Italy and are of profound importance.”

Mr Aslanov also highlighted the government`s measures to improve democracy and ensure the freedom of speech and information in the country. He expressed surprise that “there is an inadequate approach and attitude to Azerbaijan”. “The main mission of each media representative is to take an unbiased approach to facts and contribute to bringing countries and nations closer to each other.”

Mr Cito thanked for “the warm and sincere meeting”.