Azerbaijani president, first lady briefed on preparatory works for 3rd CIS Games in Ganja PHOTO / UPDATED

On August 20, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva paid a visit to the city of Ganja.

Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva visited the monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev, located in the city centre, and laid flowers at the monument, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The president and the first lady were briefed on the ongoing construction and restoration works in Ganja.

They were informed that all relevant institutions in Ganja have been mobilised in preparation for the 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games, and large-scale landscaping, construction, repair, and restoration projects are in progress.

It was noted that the Ganja City Executive Authority and the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads have so far renewed the asphalt surfaces of over 120 streets and carried out major repair work. Reconstruction efforts have also included several parks in the city. Additionally, street lighting has been upgraded, and new green spaces have been established in various parts of the city.

Moreover, it was emphasised that Baku Landscaping Service LLC has repaired the facades of 637 residential and non-residential buildings, replaced the roofing of 1,159 buildings, and upgraded lighting systems in 49 streets and avenues. Facade lighting has been modernised at 62 locations, repair and restoration work has been completed on 24 fountains, and pedestrian pathways covering 27,000 square meters have been restored.

The 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games will be held in Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8, 2025. The games will take place across seven cities: Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, and Khankendi. Ganja has been designated as the "Sports Capital" of the CIS for 2025. A total of 23 sports disciplines will be featured, with participation expected from athletes beyond the CIS countries. 

By Khagan Isayev