Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Baku Crystal Hall, the venue of the Eurovision-2012 Song Contest

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening of the Baku Crystal Hall, the venue of the Eurovision-2012 Song Contest.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hall.

The President and his wife were briefed on the work done at the Baku Crystal Hall and preparations for the song contest. It was noted that the hall can seat 25,000 people and has an original architectural style that imparts special beauty to the capital. In the future, it can host other international events. One of the factors increasing the value of the Baku Crystal Hall is its proximity to the State Flag Square.

The Baku Crystal Hall has been built in accordance with the Order of President Ilham Aliyev dated 11 July 2011 on the construction of a modern Sports and Concert Complex in Baku. On 15 January 2012, the European Broadcasting Union made the decision to hold the song contest at the Baku Crystal Hall.

After its spectacular victory at the Eurovision-2011 Song Contest in the German city of Dusseldorf, which was attended by representatives from 43 countries, Azerbaijan won the right to host the contest in Baku in May 2012. In addition to being a major cultural event, the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest is to be conducted in Baku also has political and economic importance. It shows that located at the crossroads of the East and West, Azerbaijan is always in the spotlight. The significance of this success is increased further by the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest, an important event in the music life of Europe, is to be held in a South Caucasus republic for the first time ever. Azerbaijan has brought the contest to the region after participating in only four competitions in the 20 years of its independence.