OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Dear participants!

I cordially greet you on the occasion of the opening of the 22nd International Exhibition and Conference "Caspian Oil and Gas".

From the very outset of this traditional and authoritative business event, it has created favorable conditions for the declaration of strategic objectives and demonstration of the achievements of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry.

Today our country is going through a period of social and economic progress. The successes we have achieved as a result of rapid development have paved the way for a comprehensive advance in all spheres, including the oil sector.

Laid down by national leader of our people Heydar Aliyev, the oil strategy is still being pursued today. Having secured a worthy place among the largest exporters of oil and gas in a short time, Azerbaijan has become a strategic ally of Europe in the field of energy security, a reliable partner playing a constructive role in regional cooperation.

Over this period Azerbaijan has demonstrated sustainable development in the oil policy, pioneered a number of transnational projects and actively participated in their implementation.

The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the TANAP pipeline is an important step strengthening the position of our country in such geopolitical projects.

The Exhibition and Conference "Caspian Oil and Gas", which has more than 20 years of experience, consolidates our resources, creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding between all stakeholders and opens up new horizons for our broader economic relations.

I believe that your exhibition and conference will contribute to a fruitful cooperation against the background of the processes taking place in the oil and gas industry in the world and prove once again that it is an important meeting place.

I wish you all success in your future activities for the welfare and progress of your countries.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, June 1, 2015