The first European Games is a historical event for both Azerbaijan and Europe, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Monday at a meeting with the Azerbaijani athletes, who succeeded at the first European Games, their coaches, representatives of country’s sports community and foreign partners who contributed to the arrangement of the Games.

The head of state said Azerbaijan has never hosted such an international competition, expressing his gratitude to Patrick Hickey, the president of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and everyone who participated in the organization of the Games.

“The entire community actively supported the Games, and thanks to their support the major sports event took place at the highest level. I praise the role of the Baku 2015 European Games Operation Committee. Volunteers once again showed that our country has greater potential and human capital. Today’s youth is our proud, they professionally worked day and night demonstrating the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people. Indeed, our future is in safe hands. These young people will take their decent place in society after the European Games,” President Aliyev noted.

As for the activity of BEGOC, the president said that everything was done at the highest level.

“Therefore, no problem occurred in the organization of the Games. I highly-assess the activity of chairperson of BEGOC Mehriban Aliyeva. She did her utmost to hold the European Games at the highest level. While determining the composition of the Organizing Committee, I was sure that they would do the best. Because it covered experience and professionalism, mainly love to the state and people. In general, these are main terms of the success of our country,” the president added.

Speaking about the achievements of the athletes, the president said that these games once again showed the potential of Azerbaijan. The first European Games created a unique mood in the society and demonstrated the unity of our people.

Apa.az