Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the “Fairmont Baku Hotel” at the Flame Towers complex

The “Fairmont Baku Hotel” has been inaugurated at the Flame Towers complex.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the “Fairmont Baku Hotel”.

The capital of our country, located at the crossroads of the East and West, is noted for its peculiar architecture. The new architectural masterpieces under construction impart special beauty to the capital. As a result of the ongoing creative work, a modern appearance of the Azerbaijani capital is emerging, as new places for the recreation of residents and visitors are being put in place. A special place among them belongs to the Flame Towers, the construction of which has already been completed. The idea of Flame Towers is very interesting in itself and demonstrates the scale of the creative and landscaping work undertaken in the Land of Fire Azerbaijan in recent years.

Thanks to such architectural masterpieces as the “Fairmont Baku Hotel” at the Flame Towers complex, the rapidly changing city of Baku has already secured a place among the most beautiful cities of the world. This complex has a modern design and represents a professional combination of international and national architectural styles. The sensitive attitude of the Azerbaijani state to national and spiritual values and the rich heritage of our people has been one of the main criteria in the construction of the hotel complex.

The Azerbaijani model of development being successfully implemented by President Ilham Aliyev in the ever modernizing Azerbaijan enhances the interest of the world in our country. The Flame Towers are considered an important part and one of the key elements of town-planning in Baku in the new century. The towers, which have turned into a symbol of modern Baku, fully comply with the requirements of global urbanization, combine several complexes and services sectors. All of the rooms command wonderful views of the city and the Caspian Sea. The hotel has a gym, a swimming pool and other recreational facilities with a total area of more than 2,300 square meters. In addition, there are various meeting rooms with a total area of more than 5,000 square meters. The five conference rooms available are well suited for conducting activities for 430 to 1,000 people. Various banquet halls, restaurants and cafés will provide visitors with top-class services. The hotel has a parking lot for 219 cars. The building has 18 elevators. All this confirms again that the construction of world-class hotels in our modernizing country has become widespread, leading to enhanced interest of the world’s leading hotel brands in Azerbaijan. The “Fairmont Baku Hotel” has a unique location and panoramic views, is superior to many hotel brands and further enhances the country’s tourist potential.

The new and grand symbols of Baku, the Flame Towers, demonstrate the beauty of our capital to the world. Among the factors contributing to the interest in the Flame Towers, a special role, of course, belongs to their architectural style. It is no coincidence that the Flame Towers are among the first things foreign visitors coming to Baku want to see. The towers have also attracted the attention of foreign TV channels. For example, they have been featured in the "Extreme Engineering" cycle on the Discovery Channel, as well as programs called “Grandiose changes in Azerbaijan” shown on Science channel. The CNN channel, in a project called "Giant buildings", listed the "Flame Towers" as one of the top six gigantic and unique buildings in the world. In addition, the Flame Towers have been announced as the winner in the nomination of "The best hotel and tourist center" in one of the main events in Europe – the International exhibition and competition MIPIM-2013. According to a survey conducted by the urban forum Skyscrapercity.com, the lighting system of the Flame Towers is the best in the world. One the most important factors behind this success is the footage shown during the live broadcast of the "Eurovision-2012" international song contest and the beauty the Flame Towers have imparted to our city. Of course, all of this is not the first international recognition of the successes of the modern architecture of Baku. The modern Baku is becoming increasingly popular in the world. The image of the capital is reinforced by large-scale infrastructure projects under way in the capital city. The antiquity and classic style of the city coupled with modern architectural achievements certainly contribute to the strengthening of Baku as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

After reviewing the “Fairmont Baku Hotel”, President Ilham Aliyev met with the hotel team.

Congratulating the team, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- I cordially salute you again. I have been reviewing the “Fairmont Hotel” for about an hour. The “Fairmont Hotel” is grandiose in the true sense of the word. It is the largest and the most modern hotel in Baku, in Azerbaijan, and the conditions created are at the highest level.

There are many hotels in Baku. In particular, several five-star hotels have been built over the last two years. Azerbaijan and Baku differ from other places from this point of view, because there is no other city where six five-star hotels have been built in a matter of two years. All these hotels represent the most famous hotel brands.

I remember personally attending the opening of each hotel. Each time the opening of a new hotel has made me happy because it means investment in our city and country. It means the development of our Baku, which is becoming ever so nicer. Baku is already a beautiful city. However, new hotels make our city even more beautiful. Today there are well-known hotel brands in Baku. Hotels Kempinski, Hilton, Jumeirah, Marriott, Four Seasons and Fairmont have been opened in the last two years alone. This is an indicator in itself. It shows the development of our country. It shows the direction of investment in Azerbaijan. It shows investor confidence in the present and future of Azerbaijan. In short, our country is developing.

The construction of such grand and fine hotels demonstrates the power of Azerbaijan. Our country is developing in many directions today. The non-oil sector is successfully developing. In five months of the current year the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan increased by 11 per cent. I think that this is the highest indicator in the world.

Of course, the construction of hotels is a manifestation of the general development ongoing in the country, because if there were no development, Azerbaijan would not turn into one of the world centers and there would be no need for the construction of these hotels today. Of course, I appreciate the activities of investors. I also salute the most famous hotel brands of the world and express my appreciation for the fact that they are starting their activities in Azerbaijan. I am confident that their work will be successful because I want to say once again that Baku is one of the global centers in political, economic and cultural respects today. One might say that Baku hosts a representative international event every week. Thus, there will probably be a need for the construction of new hotels.

The “Fairmont Hotel” is truly magnificent. The interior design is fascinating. Everything has been designed with great taste. Everything is designed for the comfort of visitors. The rooms are lovely and public areas are spacious. There is a conference center and recreation areas. There is beautiful design.

Of course, the appearance of the hotel is also magnificent. The “Fairmont Hotel” and the Flame Towers are a new symbol of Baku. Baku has ancient symbols, and we are rightly proud of them. The Maiden Tower is the symbol of Baku.

The Old City is a unique architectural monument. The boulevard has been there for more than 100 years. All these are old and ancient symbols of Baku.

In the years of independence we have created new symbols of Baku. Among them I can mention the Heydar Aliyev Center, which can be seen from the upper floors of this building. It is also a unique piece of architecture that has no analogues in the world. The Flag Square is a symbol of our modern state. The grand Flag Square, which epitomizes the independence of Azerbaijan, has no analogues in the world either. I think the new boulevard is another symbol of Baku.

Other buildings embody our modern city, and the Flame Towers have a special place among them, of course. It is no coincidence that the Flame Towers are shown as a symbol of Azerbaijan in various international events.

This is indeed a unique piece of architecture that has no analogues in the world. It is built with great taste and love in one of the most beautiful places of the city. Of course, the opening of the “Fairmont Hotel” in such a place makes me happy because Fairmont is one of the most advanced hotel groups in the world, and I am sure that it will operate successfully in Azerbaijan.

At the same time, the opening of this hotel will give an impetus to the development of the tourism sector. I am confident that tourists will come specifically to stay here and see this place. The Flame Towers are now a well-known architectural monument in the world. I am sure that many people will come to stay here.

Tourism is developing fast in Azerbaijan. The number of tourists is increasing each year. I am very glad that tourist facilities are opening not only in Baku but also in other places, including the recently opened "Shahdag" complex. There will already be five hotels there in this winter season. So this shows the overall development of our country. Our country is developing rapidly. All areas are developing, including construction and tourism sectors. I want to say again that the construction and opening of such magnificent buildings and hotels in Azerbaijan are a manifestation of the overall development of our country.

I am sure that you, people working at this hotel, will provide good service to guests. I am sure that you will support and contribute to the development of the country. I have no doubt that the guests will be surrounded by care and attention here and enjoy the panoramic views and other available conditions. Once again, I congratulate you and wish you success!

Х Х Х

A picture was taken in conclusion.