POLITICS
INAUGURATION OF ‘LIDER’ SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE DRILLING RIG HELD
In his opening remarks, president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Natig Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan’s new oil strategy, of the process of realization of this strategy under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev and of importance of the event. ‘This installation has no analogue in the world and it will become a symbol of development of Azerbaijan. The ‘Lider’ is the largest and most powerful rig in the Caspian Sea, capable of operating at deepwater depths, he said.
Azerbaijan Presidents aide read out the message of congratulations of the head of the Azerbaijani state addressed to the participants of the opening ceremony.
Then, managing director of the Company Maersk Contractors Yess Soderberg, vice-president of the Company ‘ExonMobile’ Michael Crawl, US charge de-affaire in Azerbaijan Nancy McEldowney, president of the corporation of ‘Keppel Fels’ Lim Chi On, president of the Company ‘Caspian Shipyard’ Bill Kee said they are proud of inauguration of the new rig, noting that it would justified itself.
Speakers at the ceremony expressed deep gratitude to President Heydar Aliyev, government of Azerbaijan, State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic and noted that greater part of the construction works was implemented just in Baku.
Governmental dignitaries and Members of Parliament, ministers, heads of the companies and committees, ambassadors of foreign countries in Baku and other officials attended the event.