After that Kirsan Ilyumzhinov delivered his welcome speech. "We can confidently say that Baku Chess Olympiad is the most magnificent of the Olympic Games that were held so far. It is my pleasure to be here today. Let me express my gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for the excellent organization of the competition and all those who participated in it. Everyone knows that they are very fond of chess in Azerbaijan. The state programme for development of chess was signed in Azerbaijan for the first time in the world. Chess is taught in schools," said the President of FIDE.
After performing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the International Chess Federation, issues on the agenda were discussed. It is worth mentioning that the 87th FIDE Congress will be finished on September 13.
On September 11, Baku hosted a meeting of the General Assembly of the 87th FIDE Congress. The first speaker at the event was the Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov.
"Baku hosted the First European Games and the Chess Cup last year. Our capital became the centre of world chess now. The holding of the Chess Olympiad is a great event. I want to thank FIDE for the trust," said the Minister.
