Aliyeva, who is also chair of the Baku 2015 Organising Committee, is in the French city with Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sports.

They were at the opening of an exhibition about the Games and also watched Azerbaijan's entry in the Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique.

Baku Firework Group was responsible for the country's efforts in the annual event.

The First Lady also spoke at a formal dinner attended by more than 300 people, including members of the European Olympic Committees, hosted by Mayor of Cannes David Lisnard.

"I am delighted to represent the Republic of Azerbaijan in the magnificent city of Cannes and give an insight into the inaugural European Games which will take place in Baku next June," said Aliyeva.

"The Games will be of benefit to Azerbaijanis of all ages across the whole country, but particularly to the young people of our nation.

"Baku 2015 will create positive memories and excellent facilities to inspire this generation to take-up and continue to play sport throughout their lives."

A spectacular firework display by the Baku Firework Group was the highlight of an event to promote next year's European Games ©Baku 2015

The three-day visit will culminate with a 10 kilometres race along the Promenade de la Croisette, after which the First Lady will present the winners with their medals.

"At Baku 2015 we continue to make rapid progress towards delivering the first-ever European Games and we are fully confident that we will deliver the perfect stage for athletes from across Europe to achieve their goals," Rahimov, who is also chief executive of Baku 2015, said. 

"The Games will be the largest multi-sport event in the history of Azerbaijan and we are determined to be innovative and sustainable, to try new concepts, and to deliver a first-class event."

Baku 2015 is due to take place for June 12 to 28.