"Today, Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country. In Azerbaijan, the representatives of all nations live as one family. We live at our own expense. Despite the crises occurring in the world, we are on the path of development,” said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev at an official ceremony held to see off the Azerbaijani athletes who will participate in the 31st Summer Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"The crisis in 2008-2009-ies, and 2015-2016-ies did not have such a really big impact on our work. Why? Because the people and the power are united. Because there are no differences in the society related to the development of our country. Because we live at our own expenses, we are economically and politically independent, we conduct an independent policy. This is a worthy policy based on the interests of the Azerbaijani people, and we are open to the whole world. Therefore the number of our friends increases in the world. Respect to us is also growing. Number of those who want to cooperate with us is increasing. We go our own way. "

The Head of State noted that success in sports is an integral part of the success of our country: “Only a strong state has a strong sport. Look at the results of the Olympic Games. Which teams occupy the first place? The vast majority of them are the teams of developed countries. That is, the sport can not be separated from the general development. Therefore, the development of the Azerbaijani sport is manifestation of our common development. If we did not have the economic, financial independence, if we do not develop economically, we would not be able to invest in the development of sport at the desired level. However, today I want to say again: Azerbaijan is confidently, successfully developing, all the challenges we face are carried out and in 2016. Azerbaijan is a space of security, regional stability and development. I am sure that our role will gradually grow in the region and world. "

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