Opening speech by Ilham Aliyev at the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the European Olympic Games due to be held in Baku in 2015

- Today we are holding the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of the European Games. As you know, at the end of last year, in December, the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee decided to conduct the first European Games in Azerbaijan in 2015. The European sports and Olympic family overwhelmingly supported the candidacy of Baku.

It is a great historic event because these will be inaugural European Games even though the Olympic Games originally appeared in Europe and were later revived on the European continent. But European Games have not been held before. The fact that the first Games are to be held in Baku is, of course, a great achievement, our great success. On 17 January, in order to conduct the European Games at a high level, an Organizing Committee was established, and today we are holding the first meeting of the Organizing Committee.

Of course, a crucial role in making this historic decision was played by the international authority of our country. Over the recent years, Azerbaijan has managed to assert itself globally as a dynamic, modern and strong country. Although we have lived as an independent country for only 21 years, Azerbaijan is recognized worldwide as a very reliable partner and a trusted friend. Our international reputation is confirmed by Azerbaijan’s election as a member of the UN Security Council. This was also a historic decision. This historic decision, which coincided with the 20th anniversary of our independence, essentially became a manifestation of the work done in 20 years. Today, Azerbaijan is a member of number one organization in the world, while in May last year we presided over the UN Security Council.

Of course, due to our strengthening international positions and footprint, the interests of our country will be secured more fully. Of course, it was this factor that served as the basis for the decision to award the European Games to Azerbaijan. Along with this, of course, a role was played by the dynamic economic development of our country. Azerbaijan's economy developed even during the crisis years, which is confirmed by all influential international organizations. Last year, the world's leading rating agencies Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poor's upgraded the credit rating of our country. While the ratings of some developed countries were downgraded, ours was upgraded.

I recently attended the World Economic Forum in Davos. I can say that Azerbaijan and the developments ongoing in our country were in the spotlight there. As you know, the forum brings together the world’s political and economic elite. It is very encouraging that the international community and the political and economic elite of the world have a very positive opinion about Azerbaijan. It is no coincidence that according to the Davos World Economic Forum, the Azerbaijani economy is ranked first in the CIS and 46th in the world for competitiveness. These factors, of course, have also played a role in the decision to award the Games to Baku.
Over the past nine years, our economy has grown three times. It is a diversified and sustainable economy today. There are excellent opportunities to expand economic development. At the same time, of course, we have extensive financial resources, and this factor has also contributed to the decision to hold the Games in Baku.

There are other reasons. The sports infrastructure created in our country in recent years meets world and international standards. The sports facilities already built and under construction at the present time will enable us to host the Games at a high level. I believe that our key sports facilities will allow us the opportunity to host the Games. If it is necessary to build additional sports facilities, we will do that before 2015.

The holding of these Games in Baku is also supported by our people at the highest level. We have always felt this support. As you know, Azerbaijan has twice nominated its candidacy for playing host to Olympic Games. Surveys held at the time revealed that the population of Azerbaijan supports the holding of Olympic Games in Baku. And this factor also plays an important role.

The city infrastructure is being modernized. Baku is one of the most beautiful cities in the world today. It is noted for its beauty, historical appearance and modernity. Additional measures will be taken to develop the urban infrastructure. We will continue to develop Baku to make it even more beautiful.

We already have extensive experience in conducting prestigious international events. Azerbaijan regularly hosts European and world championships. The World Football Cup for girls was held in Azerbaijan for the first time last year. For over two weeks all the athletes and visitors of our city felt welcome by the Azerbaijani people and saw the rapid development ongoing in our country. FIFA and UEFA leaders gave a very high assessment to the championship and the level of its organization.
So by conducting these activities and demonstrating our organizational abilities, we somewhat apply new standards. These are Azerbaijani standards. Any international event is held in Azerbaijan and in Baku at a high level, and I think the European Games will also be held at a high level.

I believe that the confidence shown to us by the European sporting family also rests hugely on the successes of our athletes. Azerbaijan is known in the world and Europe as a sports nation today. Our athletes are proving successful in European and world championships and in Olympic Games. In the Summer Olympics in London, Azerbaijan achieved a historic victory – we won 10 medals and finished 15th among European countries. Of course, the successful performance of our athletes has influenced the decision to hold the Games in Baku.

Of course, a role was played by other factors. But these are the main factors. And now the period of preparation begins. It will be a very challenging period. In contrast to summer Olympic Games, we have only two years to prepare. As you know, six to seven years are allowed for a country to prepare for summer Olympics. Thus, the city which will host Olympic Games in 2020 will be determined in September this year.

So the country that will play host to the 2020 Games will have six to seven years to prepare. We have only two years to carry out preparatory work. This is tremendous responsibility, but at the same time it is great trust and honor. I am sure that all relevant structures will spare no effort to conduct these Games at a high level and we, as always, will show Europe and therefore the whole world the power of our country, the hospitality of our people and the dynamic development of Azerbaijan.
As I have mentioned, the Organizing Committee has been set up to conduct the Games at a high level. It includes representatives of government agencies, members of the National Olympic Committee, athletes and public figures. The chairperson of the Organizing Committee is Mehriban Aliyeva. I can say that Mehriban Aliyeva also led the Organizing Committee for last year’s "Eurovision" song contest. By all accounts, the "Eurovision" song contest was held in Baku at the highest level. Perhaps it was the best contest in the history of "Eurovision". All the organizational issues were resolved, while visitors got acquainted with the beauty of our city and felt very comfortable. This was facilitated by the hospitality of the people, as well as public order and stability of our city. I am confident that the Organizing Committee under the leadership of Mehriban Aliyeva will justify the confidence placed in us by the European Olympic Committee, and these Games will go down in the Olympic history not just as the inaugural European Games but also as the most beautiful Games ever.