Baku, Azerbaijan, May 26
By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:
The fact that Azerbaijan holds the first European Games proves the existence of a developed economy in the country, Chairman of the Government of the Astrakhan region of Russia Konstantin Markelov, who is on a visit to Baku, told Trend May 26.
He stressed that Azerbaijan has done a great job in organizing the first European Games.
"Not every country in Europe today would be able to implement such a project," said Markelov. "The fact how Azerbaijan was prepared for the European Games is another proof of the economic development and stability in the country. I think that this event [the first European Games] will make history."
He said that Russia is following the preparations for the forthcoming European Games.
"We are watching with awe at how Azerbaijan is preparing for the first European Games," said the head of government of the Astrakhan region. "I hope that the Russian delegation will be the most representative at these Games. The opening of the first European Games will be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Governor of Astrakhan Region Alexander Jilkin. I think that the Games will become a holiday of sport, peace, a feast, which will allow us to make a significant groundwork for the development of social and sporting relations between European countries."
Baku 2015 is the first-ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent that will take place on June 12-28, 2015.
There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.
Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.
edited by CN
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