Baku, Azerbaijan, June 13
By Jamilya Aliyeva - Trend:
The opening ceremony of the first European Games in Baku was great and it is a historical day for Azerbaijan, Iraqi Ambassador to Azerbaijan Haidar Shiaa Al Barrak told Trend June 13.
"The EU has granted its trust and credibility to Azerbaijan," he said. "Azerbaijan accepted and won this challenge and presented itself as a country of love and peace. Well done, Azerbaijan, and good luck to everyone."
Baku 2015 is the first ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent which kicked off on June 12.
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.
The First European Games will last till June 28.
Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.