A reception has been hosted in honor of participants of the 7th Global Baku Forum.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

The head of state met with the high-level guests, who attended the reception.

Heads of state and government, as well as former and current presidents, famous politicians and public figures were present at the reception.

Prior to the reception a joint photo was taken.

Co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga addressed the event and on behalf of the Center presented a gift to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev then made a speech at the event.

-Thank you very much, Madame President, Mr. Serageldin for such a generous gift. I first of all, once again, would like to express gratitude to the co-chairs, our outstanding co-chairs Madam President Vike-Freiberga, Mr. Ismail Serageldin, for their contribution. I talked about that this morning and I can talk about it every day. Because this is truth and it was amazing how Nizami Ganjavi International Center transformed into one of the leading global institutions which attracts a lot of interest, attracts a lot of intellectuals. And the Intellectual level of our forum is growing year after year.

We the people, who participated from the very beginning in this event definitely can say that. And today this forum has a very important place on the world map and it is still in process of growing. As we discussed with the members of the Board, a couple of days ago, this forum has a potential to grow. This forum has a dynamism. This forum has an energy and young leaders who are today with us, they give additional energy to this forum. We were just discussing with our friends before entering this room, what is the special touch of this forum? And I said that, though, I know that at the panels there are very hot discussions, conflict of ideas, different views which make a forum really an attraction and very productive, at the same time, we see the unity, we see a kind of a team work. A number of people, heads of state, former heads of state and government who participate regularly in the forum at the same time we have new friends, people who visit Azerbaijan for the first time. So, this spirit of unity we think is one of the main specialties of our forum. And I am sure that those who visit us for the first time will decide to come back, we are always glad to see new friends and always greet our old friends. So, I wish you all success, thank you for being with us, and the forum will always be dynamic, intellectual platform for all of us. Thank you.