Azerbaijan, IOC discuss sports, organisation of international competitions PHOTO

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach discussed the government’s care for sports in the country and noted that Azerbaijan had become the country to perfectly organise numerous internationally important sports competitions with modern sports infrastructure created in both capital and regions.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Bach for his participation in and support to the 26th World Taekwondo Championships held in Baku, saying that it contributes to expanding cooperation, Azertag reports.

In turn, IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his satisfaction with his participation in this sports competition held in Baku.

During the conversation, the sides emphasised the importance of holding the 26th Taekwondo World Championships in Azerbaijan, which brought together athletes representing many countries.

Azerbaijan’s years-long successful cooperation with the International Olympic Committee was noted at the meeting. The fact that Azerbaijan is an active participant of this international organization and maintains successful interaction with international sports organizations was commended at the meeting.

Bach recalled with pleasure the European Games conducted in Baku in 2015, saying he is still under the impression of the opening ceremony of the Games attended by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

He presented the Olympic House Award to the head of state. The award depicts the new headquarters of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. With the solar panels on its roof representing the shape of a dove landing in the park, the Olympic House symbolizes the IOC’s commitment to sustainability and peace.