OFFICIAL NEWS
PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVES IOC VICE-PRESIDENT VITALIY SMIRNOV
Mr. Smirnov said that during the IOC’s recent meeting, its president asked him to pass on greetings and congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijani athlete’s achievements in various competitions.
He especially praised the Azerbaijani volleyball players noting he was supporting them during the last championships. Mr. Smirnov added the Olympic qualification tournaments had always been well organized in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev pointed out the huge work being done in Azerbaijan for development of sports noting that a number of the world class Olympic complexes had been constructed in the country’s provinces. It is very important that not only Baku but also these modern complexes be a host for international tournaments, he said.
The Head of State also reminded of success of the Azerbaijani field hockey players who had qualified for the world championships. The Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships is currently going on in Baku, and a number of other international tournaments are envisaged. This is an indicator of the successful work being done in Azerbaijan in the sphere of sport, President Ilham Aliyev said.
In the end, the Azerbaijani leader asked Mr. Smirnov to convey his greetings to President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge.