Baku, December 10 (AZERTAC). President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated the Azerbaijani people as European Olympic Committees voted to hold first European Games in Baku in 2015.

The President said: “On December 8, the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees voted to hold the first European Games in Baku in 2015. I congratulate the whole people of Azerbaijan on this remarkable, historical event. This will be the first European Olympic Games, and the fact that it will take place in Baku is a great, historical event, and, at the same time, an outstanding success of our country.

I express my deep gratitude to the European Olympic Committees and all those who contributed to making this decision. I would like to note that Azerbaijan will ensure excellent organization of this event, and Baku will be part of the history of the European Olympic Games for its outstanding contribution to organizing the first games.

Several factors have played a crucial role here. First and foremost, it is Azerbaijan`s international influence. Azerbaijan is today a country which is held in great respect in the world. We play an increasing role and have growing opportunities in the world, and the world community has great respect towards and confidence in Azerbaijan.

Last year marked a great event in the history of our country as Azerbaijan became a member of the UN Security Council. We achieved this honor thanks to support of 155 countries, and Azerbaijan has been demonstrating its principled position as a member of the Security Council over a year. As I have said in my previous statements, in the Security Council, we will defend international law and justice.

Our international relations are expanding, the number of our friends is growing, and the image of our country is very positive.

The second factor is that there has been socio-political stability in Azerbaijan for many years. And it`s of profound importance. Socio-political stability plays a crucial role in our country`s rapid, successful development, and from this point of view, Azerbaijan has already proved itself to be a model country on a global scale.

Our economic achievements have certainly played their role in the making of this decision, too. Azerbaijan has been the world`s fastest developing country in the last nine years. Our economy has tripled, that is, has seen a 300 per cent growth. The process of diversification of the economy successfully continues. And at the end of this year, we again have outstanding economic achievements, and we are proud of this.

Azerbaijan`s economy ranks 46th in the world and first in the Commonwealth of Independent States for its competitiveness. All major international rating agencies increased Azerbaijan`s credit ratings even in the years of crisis. This means that our economic capabilities have played their role.

Modern infrastructure projects are carried out in the country and in Baku. Most of them have already been completed. Baku is among the world`s most beautiful cities. It`s no coincidence that this factor has also played its role. Measures to expand and modernize the infrastructure of Baku will be continued in the years to come.

Modern infrastructure and service facilities are constructed in our city. The city is becoming more beautiful day by day. Huge work is being done, with new public places and parks built and buildings redeveloped. All conditions have been created for development of the private sector. At the same time, our financial recourses will give us opportunities to ensure excellent organization of the Olympic Games. I would also like to note that great work has been done in Baku and generally in Azerbaijan to build sports infrastructure. Some of the projects started previously have already been completed. Sports facilities, which are under construction now, will be commissioned in two years. So we have all opportunities to hold the European Olympic Games. We have both sports infrastructure and a developed city. This news has been a source of great happiness within the society as well. The successes of our sportsmen have definitely also contributed to making this decision. Azerbaijan is recognized in the world and Europe as a sports country.

Our successes are measured with medals gained in international competitions. And modern sports infrastructure created in Azerbaijan, Baku completes our successes. Considering world and European championships held in Azerbaijan and Baku, we can see that sport is developing successfully and rapidly in our country.

Popularity of sports is ensured in Azerbaijan, and we have excellent Olympic movement. The Summer Olympic Games once again marked successes of our sportsmen. We achieved a historical triumph in the Summer Olympic Games, we won ten medals. Our country ranked 30th in the world and 15th among European countries. So, all these factors have contributed to making this decision.

I want to say once again that the decision to hold the first European Olympic Games in Baku is a historical event. This is a great trust in and respect to us, at the same time, this is our responsibility. I do not have hesitation that we will stand this test successfully and honestly, and the Games will be organized excellently.

The Games are due to take place in 2015, which means that we have just two years left. I`m confident that we will successfully carry out all necessary preparatory work to ensure that the games are well organized. And once again we will show the world that young, independent, rapidly developing Azerbaijan has made great successes.

I cordially congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on this remarkable event.

Long live Azerbaijan!