By organizing the European Games, proceeding from its rich experience, Azerbaijan will contribute to peace, stability, prosperity, friendship, intercultural and interreligious dialogue not only in Europe, but also far beyond it, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with Russian Independent Newspaper.

“At present, we are almost close to the beginning of the European Games,” the minister said. “This event will be held for the first time. We are striving to hold the Games at the highest level.”

He said that these games will be large-scale.

“We expect to receive over 6,000 athletes who will compete in 20 kinds of sports,” he said. “They will be accompanied by more than 3,000 people. I would like to stress that we expect 150 media representatives from Russia, not only from Moscow, but also from the regions. We will be very glad to see Russian journalists, athletes and fans in Baku.”

Baku 2015 is the first-ever European Games, an exciting and innovative multi-sport event for the continent that will take place on June 12-28, 2015.

There will be a total of 20 sports at Baku 2015: 16 Olympic sports and four non-Olympic sports. More than 6,000 athletes from across Europe will be representing their nations over 17 days of competition.

Baku was awarded the games by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in December 2012.

Trend.az