Azerbaijan National Day
Azerbaijan national day
The European Games will transform the capital city Making constructive contributions in the global arena Azad Rahimov The games will have 18 MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS competition venues, includ- Gursel Ismayilzada tries in the world. ence associated with multicul- opment Bank was hosted in tries. ing newly built venues for AMBASSADOR OF AZERBAIJAN Over the years we have cre- turalism is unique. Baku. It equally shows the e exchange of visits has in- In June 2015, Azerbaijan will the sports of gymnastics, ated a powerful energy poten- As a clear token of aforemen- choice of Azerbaijan to enhance deed been exposing new areas become the center of the sport- BMX, aquatics and shooting, It is my great pleasure to address tial. Today it is no secret that the tioned development, the capital strong ties not only with Europe, of cooperation between the two ing world, when the capital city as well as a purpose-built, the readers of e Japan Times energy security of a country pro- of Azerbaijan, Baku, has been but also with Asia as we a¡ liate countries and open new hori- of Baku hosts the inaugural Eu- 65,000-seat stadium that will on the occasion vides for its national security. selected to hold the rst-ever ourselves with both continents. zons of cooperation for the ben- ropean Games. host athletics and the open- of National Day Azerbaijan has accumulated a European Games. e Baku During the recent visit of H.E. e t of our two nations. We are The Baku 2015 European ing and closing ceremonies. Add that to the of the Republic unique experience in using oil 2015 European Games are an Taro Aso, Japan’s deputy prime committed to a vibrant and Games will be a spectacular impressive Flame Towers that dominate the of Azerbaijan revenues correctly and convert- exciting and innovative multi- minister and minister of - long-term relationship with showcase of elite athletes that Baku skyline, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and to extend ing the “black gold” into human sport event for the continent nance, to Azerbaijan to attend Japan. will unite Europe in a unique and the gleaming new airport terminal and it is my warmest capital. that will take place from June 12 an ADB conference, bilateral I take this opportunity to wish celebration of sport and have a transformative little wonder that many marvel at just how greetings and While hydrocarbon resourc- to 28. Choosing Baku for a glob- meetings with the leadership of friendly people of Japan peace, effect on the city itself. The games are part of transformative the games have been for Baku. sincere wishes es are a key driver of economy, al sporting event is not by Azerbaijan boosted further the prosperity and sustainable de- President Ilham Aliyev’s vision to cement our The European Games also represent an op- to eir Impe- diversi cation is one of the chance, as the city is also in partnership between two coun- velopment. country’s position as a dynamic and hospitable portunity to introduce innovative types of rial Majesties Emperor Akihito main pillars of the economic preparations to hold the For- cultural and business center. sport to the international calendar. In total, 20 and Empress Michiko, the Im- policy of Azerbaijan. Agricul- mula-1 Baku European Grand In December 2012, Azerbaijan was awarded sports will be represented, with four exciting perial family, the government ture is the second biggest part Prix. Additionally, in 2017, the the games by the European Olympic Commit- non-Olympic sports — three-on-three basket- and the friendly people of Japan, in terms of labor and potential. Islamic Solidarity Games will tees. For Baku, this was the perfect opportuni- ball, beach soccer, karate and sambo — set to as well as the Azerbaijani com- us, 2015 was announced as a also be held in Baku. Over the ty to put sport at the heart of its social, cultural feature. munity residing in Japan. “Year of Agriculture” in Azerbai- course of just two years, both and economic development and to show the Baku 2015 has ensured that everything is in is year we celebrate the jan. e rich fertile lands, abun- European and Islamic games world what its people are capable of. place for competitors to excel and the results 97th anniversary of the Azerbai- dance of water and climatic will be organized in Azerbaijan. As the fi rst ever event of its type on the con- will grant a lasting legacy for Azerbaijan in in- jan Democratic Republic, which diversity create favorable condi- Located between Europe and tinent, the Baku 2015 European Games Opera- frastructure, sporting and human terms. The was established in 1918 as the tions for a strong agriculture Asia, on the ancient Silk Road, tions Committee (BEGOC) has been tasked population of Azerbaijan is one of the youngest rst democratic republic cre- sector. It is now one of the main Azerbaijan is recognized as a with creating a memorable and innovative in Europe, and the inspiration that the Europe- ated in the Muslim World. Azer- developed non-oil areas of the country ensuring coexistence competition. an Games will provide will be passed on to baijan’s independence was economy, attracting foreign and dialogue among civiliza- The opening ceremony will be held in the generations of Azerbaijani athletes through the short-lived and the Republic be- trade partners and investors tions, as it is a member of both newly built National Stadium on Friday June world-class facilities built for Baku 2015. came part of the Soviet Union with great business opportuni- the European and Asian fami- 12, and the following 17 days will see more Azerbaijan has always had a passion for in 1920, with the independence ties. e main exports are fresh lies. than 6,000 athletes competing for the right to sport, and its investment in these games will of Azerbaijan restored in 1991. vegetables and fruits, vegetable e year 2015 introduced a be called European Games champion. pay dividends in the future as the country Azerbaijan is continuing and animal oils, sugar products, new phase of engagement be- And by the time the curtain falls on the closing hosts further events such as the Baku Formula along the path of independence tea, processed vegetables and tween Azerbaijan and Japan ceremony on Sunday, June 28, 253 gold medals 1 European Grand Prix in 2016, the 2017 Islamic and development. e unique fruits, beverages, tobacco prod- marked by the exchange of will have been won and a fresh perspective of Solidarity Games and four matches of the phenomenon in the continued ucts, cotton and others. high-level visits. Azerbaijan and Baku will have been embraced by UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. growth of Azerbaijan lies upon Azerbaijan, as an active H.E. Ogtay Asadov, the chair- the people of Europe. By June, Baku will be ready to host a memo- the stability of the political and member of international orga- man of the Milli Mejlis (parlia- rable and historic fi rst edition of the European economic situation, the unity nizations, makes valuable con- ment) paid an o¡ cial visit to Games. The spectacular opening ceremony between the people and leader- tributions to the successful Japan from April 19 to 25. His will captivate the capacity crowd in the Nation- ship under President Ilham Ali- activities of these organizations. visit underlined the strategic al Stadium and be enjoyed by a worldwide yev and the pursuance of Last year we chaired the Com- importance of the bilateral rela- television audience of millions thanks to the target-oriented policies. mittee of Ministers of the Coun- tions between our two countries announced deals to broadcast the Games in 57 In the past decade, Azerbai- cil of Europe. It was a period of and gave impetus to further countries, including in Japan. jan has been one of the fastest very successful presidency. strengthening the existing But the true impact of Baku 2015 will be growing countries in the world During this period Azerbaijan friendly relations based on mu- much greater, extending beyond those two in terms of economic develop- made a huge and valuable con- tual trust and respect. weeks in June, and creating a new legacy of ment. According to the Davos tribution to the development of Earlier this month, the suc- The Olympic Stadium in Baku EMBASSY OF sporting brilliance in Europe’s most dynamic World Economic Forum’s 2015 democracy and the protection cessful organization of the an- AZERBAIJAN new destination. Competitiveness Report it is of human rights and justice in nual meeting of the Board of ranked among the top 40 coun- Europe. Our country’s experi- Governors of the Asian Devel-
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