Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend / On 26 October the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the heads and representatives of the national Olympic committees and sport federations of Poland, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, participating in the 15th anniversary of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC). The Head of State said that the NOC is of the same age with the country's independence history. The President stressed that together with socio-economic spheres, the Olympic movement in Azerbaijan is promptly developing. "We have close relationships with your countries in the field of sports as we have in other fields. We have created a strong basis to develop these relationships even more. Baku has already become a center of the most prestigious sport events. These events have provided an opportunity for a close contact amongst not only sport community, but also citizens from different countries as a whole." The guests said the Olympic movement and sports have developed in Azerbaijan thanks to President's personal care and constant attention. They congratulated President Aliyev on the 15th anniversary of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan and presented him their memorial gifts. The President characterized the sport as an important part of any country's social life. President Aliyev spoke about the successful works for development of this field, saying the Olympic movement is a symbol of peace and friendship. The Head of State wished the guests success in their works.
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