Azernews.Az

By Rashid Shirinov

A solemn closing ceremony of the Sea Cup-2017 international contest was held in the Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on August 11.

The Sea Cup competition was held in Baku during August 1-10 within the framework of the 3rd International Army Games.

The ceremony was attended by the teams of the participating countries, representatives of the public, servicemen and representatives of foreign countries accredited in Azerbaijan.

Firstly, the ceremony featured a video clip dedicated to Azerbaijan and the Sea Cup-2017 international competition. The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played and the national flag of the country was raised.

Then, the cup of the Sea Cup-2017 international contest and the flags of the participating countries were placed on the site. The winners of the Sea Cup-2017 international contest were announced and they went up to the honorable pedestal.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Kerim Veliyev and Deputy Defense Minister of Russia Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin presented awards to the teams.

The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Russia were played in honor of the teams of Azerbaijan and Russia, which took the first place in the Sea Cup – 2017.

Lieutenant General Kerim Veliyev greeted the participants of the event and conveyed to them congratulations of Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov.

Noting the high level organization of the Sea Cup-2017, Veliyev emphasized that the competition served as the rapprochement between the military sailors of the Caspian countries, strengthening of mutual trust and cooperation, and creation of a brotherly and friendly atmosphere between the military servicemen. Veliyev wished all the participants success and announced the Sea Cup - 2017 international competition closed.

Then, with the participation of a representative from each team, the flags of the 3rd International Army Games and the Sea Cup-2017 contest were lowered.

After the closing ceremony, the final press conference of the international contest Sea Cup - 2017 was held with the participation of the heads of delegations of the participating countries, members of the Judicial Commission, as well as local and foreign journalists.

As many as 300 personnel was involved in the Sea Cup – 2017 during these 10 days. The competition was held in three stages – artillery firing, ship damage control, ship crew skills and rescue contest.

As a result of the Sea Cup – 2017, the crews of Russia’s Grad Sviyazhsk small-size missile ship and the Azerbaijani G-124 gunship shared the first place. Both teams received 245 points. The Joshan missile boat, which represented the Iranian Navy, came in second after gaining 234 points, while the Kazakh Saryarka gunship garnered 227 points and came in third.

The Sea Cup competition is part of the 2017 International Army Games, which have been held at 22 test ranges in Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China from July 29 to August 12. Teams from 28 countries are taking part in the Games.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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