Baku, October 8, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received President of the International Fair Play Committee Jeno Kamuti, President of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM) Christian Hinterberger and Vice-President Erdogan Aripinar.

Vice-President of the EFPM Erdogan Aripinar noted that Azerbaijan has its say in the world as an excellent organizer of international sports tournaments, and described the First European Games held in Baku as a great event. He thanked the head of state for supporting the organization of the first joint congress of the International Fair Play Committee and the European Fair Play Movement and the 21st General Assembly of the European Fair Play Movement in Baku.

President of the International Fair Play Movement Christian Hinterberger said he followed the First European Games with great interest, and congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the successful organization of the Games in the country. Mr. Hinterberger said he was deeply impressed by people's following the competitions with great enthusiasm and their sincere support for all athletes.

President of the International Fair Play Committee Jeno Kamuti noted with pleasure that he watched the First European Games in Baku, and congratulated the head of state on the excellent organization of the Games and achievements of Azerbaijani athletes. Praising the attention to sports, especially fair games in Azerbaijan, Jeno Kamuti described the organization of the first joint congress of the International Fair Play Committee and European Fair Play Movement in Baku as a successful sign of mutual cooperation. He thanked President Ilham Aliyev for undertaking to host the events of the organization, adding they want to continue the cooperation with the relevant authorities of the country.

The head of state expressed satisfaction with the holding of the first joint congress of the International Fair Play Committee and European Fair Play Movement and the 21st General Assembly of the European Fair Play Movement in Baku, and hailed the participation of a number of delegations in the event. Highlighting the importance of cooperation with international sports organizations, President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that during the event interesting discussions would be held. The head of state noted that the first European Games aroused great interest in the country, and recalled successful performance of Azerbaijani athletes.

Then, Jeno Kamuti said President Ilham Aliyev was awarded the special medal of the International Fair Play Committee for his services to sports in Azerbaijan, support of the fair games movement and commitment to fair principles in sports. He presented the medal to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for conferring the special medal of the International Fair Play Committee upon him, adding that he would continue supporting the development of sports as the head of state and as the President of the National Olympic Committee.