PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJANHIS EXCELLENCYMR. ILHAM ALIYEV

20.09.2004 [20:20]
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I am writing to congratulate you on the tenth anniversary of the signing of the “Contract of the Century.” This agreement, signed on behalf of the Azerbaijan by your father the late President Heydar Aliyev, marked the beginning of the development of the world-class oil and gas infrastructure in modern Azerbaijan. I am proud of the leading role that BP is playing in this, and of the fact that so many British companies are now working in Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the event in Baku due to other commitments, but I have asked Sir. Brian Fall the UK’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, to be my personal representative at the tenth anniversary cerebration.

I look forward to the completion of the current major infrastructure projects from 2005. These will bring many benefits. The revenues they generate have the potential to guarantee the future prosperity of Azerbaijan and its people. In this context, I particular welcome your continuing commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Azerbaijan has made rapid progress since independence. Your country is a strong partner in the global war on terror. Our soldiers work side by side bringing peace and stability to Iraq and Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is a participant in the European Union’s European Neighborhood Policy. I hope that we can continue to work as closely in these and other fields as the UK and Azerbaijan have done to date on developing your oil and gas industry, with all the mutual benefits that has entailed.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues with you in person when you are next in the United Kingdom.

Tony Blair