"They also follow the values of society, sport and culture with great success."

More than 200 judoka from 27 countries are due to take part in the event. 

"We have previously had Grand Prix events and a World Judo Masters in Baku and this event marks the start of a four-year agreement," said Vizer. 

Vizer is being accompanied on the trip by Jean Todt, President of auto sport's governing body, the FIA. 

Todt, the chief executive and special adviser to Ferrari from 2004 to 2009 and general manager of Scuderia Ferrari from 1993-2007, leading the Italians to 14 Formula One world titles and 106 victories in his time, accompanied Vizer lay flowers at the momument of the late Azerbaijan President, Heydar Aliyev.

IJF chief Marius Vizer lays flowers at a momuent dedicated to Azerbaijan's late President Heydar Aliyev in Baku ahead of the Grand Slam event

"I'm very pleased to be here in Baku, Azerbaijan, and it's a pleasure to join my friend, Marius Vizer and his team, today," said Todt.

"I'm doing a tour of various countries at the moment and today was Azerbaijan, so it was a good time to share our vision, meet membership and see the President of the country.

"We've already started with the IJF to do some work on road safety because for me a champion can offer a lot to society and I feel that a judo champion could help promote issues such as road safety.

"I feel synergy between judo and automobile, we share the same values.

"For me that is crucial and I'm very grateful for the support from the IJF."

Photos: © IJF Team by Tamas Zahonyi, Claudiu Chimoiu and Nicolas Messner

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