Ilham Aliyev along with Patrick Hickey, president of European Olympic Committee participated in the opening of newly-built Olympic Sport Complex.

Head of Masali Executive Power Gazanfar Agayev gave information about the recent activities carried out in the region. He said that Masalli develops from socio-economic aspect, new enterprises and jobs are created in the region.

Patrick Hickey said Olympic sport complexes in the regions are the result of Ilham Aliyev's care for sport.

"Though Azerbaijan is situated far from Europe's center its activities are in the center of Europe," he said.

Patrick Hickey gave a present to Ilham Aliyev on behalf of the EOC.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan is an active member of Olympic Movement.

"Special attention is paid to sport in our country. 11 Olympic Sport Complexes have been opened in Azerbaijan up to now, 14 Olympic Sport Complexes are being constructed. Sport and Concert Complex named after Heydar Aliyev and KUR Olympiad Education Center in Mingachevir are being reconstructed. World rowing championship will be possibly held in Mingachevir," he said.

The president underlined that Azerbaijan appealed to relevant bodies for hosting Olympic Games for the first time in the CIS.

"First appeals are often not accepted. But I believe that international sport organizations will consider this problem attentively taking into account Azerbaijan development. Our country is a leader for socio-economic growth in the world. 800 schools have been constructed in Azerbaijan diagnostic centers open in the regions," the President said.

Ilham Aliyev stated that the level of socio-economic growth of every region of Azerbaijan should meet European standards, APA reports.

Following this, Azerbaijani President watched sportsmen in Masalli Olympic Sport Complex. Ilham Aliyev ended his visit in Masalli with this. The president left Masalli for Jalilabad.