Baku, November 5 (AZERTAC). The Center for International Relations and Calculations of Azerbaijan Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies and French company Arianespace have signed a contract to launch into orbit the first national telecommunications satellite of Azerbaijan through French-based rocket carrier Ariane-5ECA in Baku on November 5, 2010.

The contract was inked by director of the Center for International Relations and Calculations of the MCIT Jalil Jafarov and CEO of Arianespace Jean-Yves Le Gall.

At the signing ceremony, Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov assessed the signing of the contract, as the next step in implementing the State Program on establishment and development of the country`s space industry.

To determine the company that will put the satellite into orbit, Tender Commission has been discussing the issue for over a year. According to the Minister, Tender Commission decided to entrust this important mission to the company Arianespace.

Ali Abbasov said today`s event is another important step in the launching of Azerbaijani satellite into orbit in 2012, which be the beginning of the main phase on establishment of the country`s space industry.

In the end, the Minister congratulated the participants of the ceremony on this significant occasion.

In his speech, Director General of Arianespace called today`s date is equally important both for Azerbaijan and for his company. Speaking about having chosen his company as a partner for Azerbaijan, Jean-Yves Le Gall noted that this is the best choice, as Arianspace has vast experience and authority in the field of launching vehicles.

“We applaud your choice and thank you for your confidence,” said the head of the French company.

The ceremony was also addressed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France Gabriel Keller to Azerbaijan, noting strong economic ties between Azerbaijan and France called the current contract as another step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador in his speech expressed gratitude for choosing the French company to launch Azerbaijani satellite into orbit.

Founded in 1980, Arianespace is engaged in production, operation and marketing of the launch vehicle Ariane-5.

Remind that Azerbaijan concluded a long-term lease agreement with Malaysian satellite operator MEASAT on the use of orbital position, belonging to Malaysia for the Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite on May 25, 2010.

On May 27, 2010 general contract on production of the first telecom satellite of Azerbaijan was signed with a leading American manufacturer of satellites by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Launching Azerbaijan`s first satellite into orbit is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012.