Senior executives from Baku 2015 made presentations and gave speeches to international representatives on developments in the run-up to the inaugural European Games, and the legacy the event will leave in Azerbaijan, AzerTag reports. 

Mr Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Chief Executive Officer of Baku 2015, said: "This second diplomatic briefing allowed Baku 2015 staff to update the diplomatic community on our progress towards the Baku 2015 European Games.

"By hosting the Games, we aim to showcase what Baku has to offer and continue to build our reputation as a modern and dynamic city that is open for business and cultural exchange with visitors from all nations.”

The event was attended by more than 80 delegates from all 68 diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan, plus a number of non-resident representatives, at the Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee headquarters.

Mr Ruslan Abdullayev of the State Protocol Department of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the group, and Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, gave an overview of progress towards the European Games.

Mr Clegg said: "It was a pleasure to provide the heads of mission with insight into our ongoing preparations, and outline what to expect during the inaugural European Games.

"We consider the diplomatic community to be a key stakeholder group, and are looking forward to working together as Baku prepares to receive a larger number of visitors than ever before. We will continue to keep a dialogue open with the missions to ensure as many spectators as possible can enjoy the Games.”