In the course of the meeting of NOC head and president of International Gymnastics Federation Bruno Grandi the issues of conduction of the gymnastics competitions in the fight for the world cup were discussed.

President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev received International Gymnastics Federation President of International Olympic Committee member Bruno Grandi headed representative delegation paying visit to our country. Ilham Aliyev greeted the guests on behalf of NOC members and gave detailed information on the sport development in Azerbaijan. NOC President said that our country had reached a lot in many kinds of sport and Azeri athletes gained good results in the Olympic Games in Sydney. Ilham Aliyev stated that gymnastics is one of the main parts of Olympic Games and was of combination of the sport and art. He said that due to efforts of new administration of Azeri Gymnastics Federation, interest of the children and youth to this kind of sport had increased. The main purpose of NOC and National Gymnastics Federation was receipt of license for participation of our gymnasts in the Olympic Games.

Then, Ilham Aliyev spoke about activity of the National Olympic Committee, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism, various federations in our country, which was aimed at first of all development of sport in the country. He ensured the guests that those organizations would do their best for the successful conduction of the sportive gymnastics competitions in the fight for the world cup this summer, as well as world championship in 2005.

Bruno Grandi thanked for the hospitability rendered to him and the members of delegation he headed and said that the key goal of their visit to our country was familiarization with the conditions established in the sportive complexes in Azerbaijan to hold two considerable sportive events in our country. He specified that International Gymnastics Federation paid special attention at the cooperation with the local federations, it renders all the required assistance to them. From this point of view, Azeri Gymnastics Federation is at the center of attention, as a lot of work should be carried out in concern with the conduction of the large-scale competitions in Baku. One of them is world championship with participation of the athletes from 55 countries and over 200 journalists. "In the course of conduction of the championship, your city will be at the center of attention of the whole world. That is why we should cooperate actively to prepare for the tournament", - said the guest. As to him, sportive constructions in Baku are at good state and the leading federation will render all the required assistance. Then, Ilham Aliyev and Bruno Grandi discussed a lot of issues concerned with the organization of these competitions. Minister of sport, youth and tourism Abulfaz Garayev, president of the National Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyev were present in the meeting.

BAKU. 28.04.2003. Our Century.