President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady, President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva have received President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe and Secretary General André Gueisbuhler.

The head of state emphasized that the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup was successfully held in Baku, saying Azerbaijan has also excellently organized Gymnastics World and European Championships and a number of other prestigious events earlier.

President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe thanked President Ilham Aliyev and first lady, President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva for the successful organization of Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku as well as for supporting gymnastics. Morinari Watanabe also congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the excellent organization of the first ever European Games which were held in Baku in 2015. President of the International Gymnastics Federation Morinari Watanabe expressed his hope that Azerbaijani gymnasts will make success in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The head of state congratulated the President of the International Gymnastics Federation on Tokyo's hosting this significant sporting event. President Ilham Aliyev noted that great attention is paid to the development of sport in Azerbaijan, adding that the younger generation's interest in sport is increasing day by day.

Secretary General of the International Gymnastics Federation André Gueisbuhler hailed Azerbaijan's incredible achievements in the field of sport, and in the development of the country in general. He praised the recent impressive development processes in the country.

President Ilham Aliyev pointed out large-scale construction works being carried out in the capital and districts, hailing the construction of state-of-the-art sports structure, including a magnificent gymnastics palace.

The President and Secretary General of the International Gymnastics Federation described the work done in the field of gymnastics in Azerbaijan as a huge contribution to the development of this sport around the world.

First lady, President of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva said she is proud that she heads the Gymnastics Federation, and particularly that the country has made strides in this sport. Mehriban Aliyeva noted that gymnastics was not so popular when it first arrived in Azerbaijan. "But today gymnastics enjoys great interest in Azerbaijan, in particular a large number of young girls are keen engage in this sport and participate in competitions. This is a great achievement and we are proud of this," first lady said.

AZERTAC