FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov had a working meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on 21st April 2008.

The President Aliyev spoke about the progress in social and economical development of the country, stressing that the GDP growth for 2007 was a record 25 %. New deposits of hydrocarbons had been found and there is a fundamental restructuring of all spheres of the economy. There is an active development of sports infrastructure and by the end of 2009, 36 large sports centers will be put into operation, including a stadium, swimming pool, Palace of Sports, tennis courts, ets.

The capital of Azerbaijan is taking part in the preliminary race for the right to host the 2016 summer Olympic Games. The state programme of chess development for the period until 2013 is in a final stage of preparation. The Head of the International Chess Federation thanked the leadership, Government and the Chess Federation of Azerbaijan for the excellent preparation of the first FIDE Grand Prix series tournament in Baku, dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the national leader - Heydar Aliyev. Mr. Ilyumzhinov spoke on the changes in the structure of the major FIDE competitions, on the foundation of "Global Chess" company, on the plans to create a Chess center network. He shared his experience in introducing chess into the general education system in the Republic of Kalmykia.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov offered the assistance of FIDE in the preparation of the state programme for the creation of a multiple-discipline center, including Chess Academy, Museum, tournament hall etc. He asked President Aliyev on the possibility of holding the Women's World Championship. After a positive responce, it was decided that the final dates of the Championship will be set after negotiations of all interested parties in the near future. The FIDE President proposed to organize a friendly match at 100 boards among young chess players of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The parties also discussed the possibility of enhancing bilateral economic cooperation in the fuel and energy complex, agriculture and other areas. With this purpose, it was proposed to create a working group. Mr. Aliyev gave instructions to actively promote Azerbaijan business investment projects in Kalmykia.