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President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov in Baku on April 21, Azertac reported.

Ilyumzhinov hailed the excellent organization of Shamkir Chess 2017 super tournament commemorating the late international grandmaster, Vugar Gashimov.

The FIDE President said that by hosting such a prestigious tournament Azerbaijan contributes to the expansion of international cooperation in the field of sport and development of regional tourism. He said many people around the world follow the tournament with great interest.

President Aliyev noted the significance of Shamkir Chess 2017 super tournament, adding that it has already become a traditional one.

The head of state said that participation of Kirsan Ilyumzhinov as well as the world`s top chess players elevates the level of the tournament.

President Aliyev emphasized the importance of the fact that apart from Baku, such prestigious international events are also held in districts of Azerbaijan. The head of state said great work has been done to develop districts and create the necessary infrastructure in the country.

Great state attention to sport in Azerbaijan was hailed at the meeting. President Aliyev and Kirsan Ilyumzhinov discussed cooperation prospects.

The Shamkir Chess 2017, the 4th edition of the tournament in memory of Gashimov, is scheduled for April 20-30

Along with Shahriyar Mammadyarov and Teymur Rajabov from Azerbaijan, the event hosts Wesley So (USA), former world champion Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), Sergey Karjakin (Russia), Michael Adams (England), Pentala Harikrishna (India), Pavel Eljanov (Ukraine), Radoslav Voytasek (Poland) and Bulgarian world champion Veselin Topalov.

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