SOCAR opens Brussels office
Brussels, November 14 (AZERTAC). the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has opened its representation in the capital of Belgium.
A conference, called “European Union-Azerbaijan: Strategic partnership - Southern gas corridor and other directions of cooperation”, was organized in Brussels to mark the occasion.
Addressing the event, President of SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev described the opening of the representation as a new stage in development of Azerbaijan-European Union strategic cooperation. He noted Southern gas corridor strategy constitutes the basis of Azerbaijan-EU energy cooperation.
Abdullayev pointed out negotiations between Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and Joint Statement adopted by them was a turning point in implementation of the Southern corridor strategy. According to him, Azerbaijan`s general gas export potential will reach 40-50 billion cubic meters till 2025. “Probably most of this gas would be transported to European market.” Abdullayev said the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) would be very important to realize Azerbaijan`s potential of gas export.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Belgium, head of the country`s delegation to EU Fuad Isgandarov said the opening of SOCAR`s representation in Brussels would contribute to strengthening relationship between Azerbaijan and Belgium.
Vice-speaker of Azerbaijan National Assembly Valeh Alasgarov said oil and gas pipelines constructed between Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as the TANAP project were part of the Southern gas corridor. According to Alasgarov, implementation of energy projects requires political will and support. He also said the European Union should strengthen efforts for future energy cooperation. The vice-speaker added that Azerbaijan does not only produce and export oil and gas, but also makes investments in energy sector.
SOCAR vice-president Tofig Gahramanov spoke of Azerbaijan`s oil strategy founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev. He stressed that this strategy was successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. He also briefed the participants on the energy projects carried out by Azerbaijan.
Deputy minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov spoke of strategic cooperation between his country and EU. He described the opening of representation of SOCAR in Brussels as a political and strategic step. Azimov pointed out SOCAR had become a transnational company ensuring Europe`s energy security.
The deputy minister said Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was a problem for not only South Caucasus, but also Europe. “This conflict concerns not only Azerbaijan, but also the international community.” Azimov added European countries should be closely engaged in settlement of the conflict.
EU Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger called Azerbaijan an important partner for Europe. He said the opening of representation of SOCAR in Brussels had opened new opportunities for development of Azerbaijan-EU relations. Oettinger also said Azerbaijan had already become a global actor.
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