President Ilham Aliyev joins nationwide Novruz festivities in Baku

Baku, March 19 (AzerTAc). President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva have today attended nationwide Novruz festivities here. The Head of State and his spouse were warmly welcomed near the Maiden Tower by thousands of people who gathered here for the celebrations. President Ilham Aliyev lit a bonfire and then congratulated the crowd. The President made his remarks here. President and his spouse joined festivities at the Seaside National Park. They were presented keepsakes here. The Head of State and his spouse viewed art works presented here. The Head of State and his spouse listened to mugham singers. They saw ancient handicrafts and products grown in the country as well as works by young artists, designers and craftsmen. They also watched the performance members of the Azerbaijan Armwrestling Federation. President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva posed for photographs with wrestlers. President Ilham Aliyev was presented here the first ticket for 2012 FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup which will be held in Azerbaijan. President of Azerbaijan and his spouse signed the application file to the International Olympic Committee as part of the campaign to support Baku`s bid to host 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Participants in the celebrations included Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, and other top-ranking officials.