“Baku-2020” presentation ceremony in Moscow

The 18^th General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees was held in Moscow, April 14.

A ceremony of presentation by applicant-cities to host the 2020 Olympic Games, including Baku was held within the Assembly. 

First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the ceremony.

First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the Assembly.

Speech by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva:

- Esteemed Mister President!

Dear members of the International Olympic Committee!

Dear Guests!

I’m proud of Baku’s submission of application to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in 2020. We are committed to the success of these Games, and our wish to hold these Games in our country relies on the strong support by our Government, Baku city, the National Olympic Committee and the people of Azerbaijan, as well as the consent of 95 percent of the public. Azerbaijan would vey much like to welcome the whole world to the Caspian shores, and is ready to serve thousands of sportsmen and millions of attendees from around the world.

Baku is a cosmopolitan city, where the past and the present exist in harmony. Our city has an old history  and rich cultural heritage. It is a unique place, where the East meets the West. Peace, diversity, tolerance and multiculturalism have for long years formed the core of our identity.

Our sport traditions rely on a long history. Petroglyphs in Gobustan reflect our ancestors’ competitions in sport. Legends prove that many young people could not earn themselves a name without having tried themselves in types of sport competitions that are still famous. Although we are a new member to the world Olympic family, victories of Azerbaijani sportsmen on the international arena are increasing, and, at the same time, strong investment into the sport infrastructure in the country has proved our interest for sport and Olympic movement. We understand the political and financial obligations associated with holding sport games. Let me assure you that we are ready. We are ready, because we want that these Games be held in our country.

For the last eight years our gross domestic product has increased significantly, by 300 percent, and implementation of numerous economic, social and environmental projects is aimed at improving the living conditions of each of our 9 million citizens.

I would like to thank the members of the International Olympic Committee for their care and attention towards the Olympic and Paralympics movements, and for appreciating them. We fully share these values in Azerbaijan.

If Baku is honored to host the Olympic Games in 2020, we will bring the whole world together in an objective and just competition. We will share our humanistic goal for peace and friendship. When the eternal flame of Baku, the old symbol of our cities, welcomes the flame of peace and hope of the Olympics, all our people will celebrate our joint wishes to be carried out by our hard work and efforts. We hope to share these wishes with all guests in Baku.

Thank you for your attention and my best wishes to you. 

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