The Organizing Committee of the Baku-2017 Islamic Solidarity Games has held in Palembang, Indonesia the “Days of Azerbaijan”.
The event saw a video message of President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijan`s capital city, Baku, won the right to host the fourth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) in 2017.
Baku won the bid to host the multi-sport event in 2017 in accordance with the decision of the eighth General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 21-25.
The participants of the Day of Azerbaijan event, held in the Indonesian city of Palembang, host city for the third solidarity games, saw the video message of President Ilham Aliyev. In his message, the President thanked the supporters of Azerbaijan`s bid. He assured that Azerbaijan will spare no efforts to make sportsmen and tourists to feel at home, and organize one of the best Games in history.
Azerbaijan has always supported the Islamic Solidarity Games. According to the President, Azerbaijan backs positive trends related to the cooperation, partnership and solidarity in the Muslims world.
“We are proud that Baku was elected a capital of the Islamic culture in 2009 and Azerbaijan`s other ancient city Nakhchivan will become a capital of Islamic culture in 2018,” he said.
The Head of State described Azerbaijan as a rapidly developing country. President Ilham Aliyev attributed Azerbaijan`s winning bid to its world`s fastest growing economy in last ten years.
The President said that Azerbaijan`s economy tripled during last ten years and the country we invested heavily into infrastructure, including sport one. The President assured that the 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 2015 European Olympic Games.
Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of civilizations, enjoys its great history, traditions and culture. For centuries, representatives of different ethnic groups and religions have lived in peace and prosperity in Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev pinpointed Azerbaijan as one of the world`s capitals of multicultural and intercivilizational dialogue. The Azerbaijani leader underscored that the country is protecting and restoring its historical and religious monuments. He mentioned that the Shamakhi Juma mosque, one of the ancient mosques of the world built in 743, was commissioned this year after major overhaul.
He expressed confidence that these Games would be a significant step for strengthening unity and solidarity among the nations.
“I am sure that Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games will be Games of unity, brotherhood and friendship,” he added.

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President Ilham Aliyev`s message was widely covered by local and foreign media.
This event is attended by presidents and secretary generals of National Olympic Committees of 46 countries, administration of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, officials of the Organizing Committee of the current Games and Indonesian government.
Attendees of the event hailed Azerbaijan`s sports achievements and expressed confidence that Baku will organize the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games perfectly.
The event also saw video clips and photo stands featuring Azerbaijan`s culture and history of sports as well as sports facilities.
During the third Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Indonesia, Azerbaijani athletes have so far won 9 medals including three golds, four silvers and two bronzes.

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