First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva: Islamic Solidarity Games are a bright new chapter in Azerbaijan’s dynamic development

Baku, May 13, AZERTAC Azerbaijan`s First Vice-President, Chair of the Baku 2017 Organising Committee Mehriban Aliyeva has hailed the importance of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games that kicked off with a stunning Opening Ceremony on May 12. “The Islamic Solidarity Games are a bright new chapter in Azerbaijan’s dynamic development, and another landmark event for the international sporting community,” she told the Opening Ceremony. “ Our deep investment in sport has secured a lasting legacy of world-class skills, facilities and infrastructure. Tonight we bring the Islamic world together! Azerbaijan is proud to undertake this noble mission!” Mehriban Aliyeva said: “We are an ancient nation, rooted in millennia of culture and strong Islamic traditions. We are also a young, modern and rapidly-developing country. Last year, Azerbaijan celebrated the 25th anniversary of the restoration of its independence.” “Our nation’s multicultural history is a cherished part of our open, tolerant society. We are proud to be a part of Islamic history and heritage, to share Islamic values.” “Azerbaijan made history two years ago, bringing together an entire continent for the first ever European Games. Now we unite the world’s Islamic community from four continents in Baku at the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games. 2017 is declared as the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan. Baku 2017 and the power of sport have brought our nations together in the Islamic spirit of friendship, peace, tolerance and mercy. Our Games will send an inspirational message out far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan: solidarity is our strength,” Mehriban Aliyeva said.