A video message of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was shown at the event. In his message, the President thanked the supporters of Azerbaijan's bid and assured that Azerbaijan will spare no effort to make sportsmen and tourists feel at home and organize one of the best Games in history.
Azerbaijan was chosen as a host country for the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games, due from June 23 to July 2, 2017. The Games will bring together athletes from 57 countries and will be held under the slogan "Solidarity is our power".
Azerbaijan has always supported the Islamic Solidarity Games. According to President Aliyev, Azerbaijan backs positive trends related to cooperation, partnership and unity in the Muslim world.
"We are proud that Baku was elected the capital of Islamic culture in 2009 and Azerbaijan's other ancient city of Nakhchivan will become the capital of Islamic culture in 2018," he said.
The President noted that Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country. President Aliyev attributed Azerbaijan's winning bid to its world's fastest growing economy in the last ten years.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan's economy has tripled in the last ten years and "we have invested heavily in infrastructure, including the sports one."
The President assured that visitors and participants will be provided with the best conditions and services.
Azerbaijan has gained tremendous experience in hosting important international contests, including world and European championships. In particular, Baku has been elected the first capital to host European Olympic Games in 2015.
President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is one of the world's capitals of multicultural and civilization dialogue.
The Azerbaijani leader said that the country is protecting and restoring its historical and religious monuments. Aliyev mentioned that the Shamakhi Juma mosque, one of the ancient mosques of the world, which was built in 743, was commissioned this year after major overhaul.
The President expressed confidence that the Games would be a significant step for strengthening unity and solidarity among nations.
"I am sure that the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games will be the Games of unity, brotherhood and friendship," he added.
The Days of Azerbaijan were attended by the presidents and secretary generals of the National Olympic Committees of 46 countries, the administration of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, officials of the Organizing Committee of the current Games and the Indonesian government.
Attendees hailed Azerbaijan`s sports achievements and voiced confidence that Baku will organize the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games perfectly.
The event showed videos and photo stands featuring the Azerbaijani culture and history of sports as well as sports facilities.
At the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games, Azerbaijani athletes so far rank seventh in the medal table with 13 medals, including four gold, six silver and three bronze medals.
On September 26, four more medals were gained by Azerbaijani athletes. Afgan Bayramov won silver in weightlifting for Azerbaijan in the 77kg category with scores of 320kg, 138kg in clean and jerk and 182kg in snatch.
Another Azerbaijani weightlifter, Namig Jalilov, vying in the 85kg category, lifted a total of 328kg (151kg in clean and jerk and 177kg in snatch) to claim a bronze medal.
Azerbaijani swimmer Boris Kirillov claimed men's 200 m gold in backstroke.
Weightlifter Intigam Zairov weighing around 94kg lifted a total of 365kg (165kg in snatch and 200kg in clean and jerk) to win a silver medal.
54 athletes competing in nine disciplines represent Azerbaijan at the third Islamic Solidarity Games in such sports as athletics, weightlifting, karate, taekwondo, badminton, tennis, archery, swimming, and wushu.
The Islamic Solidarity Games is a multinational, multi-sport event involving the elite athletes of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN with 57 member states spread over four continents.
Repoted by Nigar Orujova
