Vugar Rahimzadeh: Azerbaijan is a state that has a say in ensuring global energy security
A successful policy implemented in the field of oil and gas ensured sustainable development, economic independence and, as a result, political independence
Azerbaijan has always been in the world’s attention due to its natural resources and geographical location. This focus has been completely different in different periods. Thus, in the first years of the restoration of our independence, the tension of the social and political situation in our country caused the hesitation of states and companies that wanted to establish economic relations with Azerbaijan. They were not sure about the safety of their investments. In 1993, after the return to power of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev at the insistence of the people, the situation changed completely. Azerbaijan’s short-term provision of stability and normal business environment within the country created conditions for an increase in the number of states interested in establishing and developing economic relations with our republic. As a result, Azerbaijan became a place of large investments in a short period of time.
At the opening ceremony of the 28th International Caspian Oil and Gas – “Caspian Oil & Gas” and the 11th International Caspian Energy and Green Energy – “Caspian Power” exhibitions within the framework of the Baku Energy Week, which began on May 31, the head of state Ilham Aliyev once again highlighted this reality. pointed out that since 1994, the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition has been helping Azerbaijan present its potential to international investors. 1994 was the beginning of the oil strategy founded by Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. Signing the “Contract of the Century” was the only step that could ensure success, sustainable development, economic independence, and eventually political independence. This agreement completely changed the situation in our country, created an opportunity to attract investments, ensured economic stability and a prosperous future of Azerbaijan.
SIA reports with reference to AZERTAC that Vugar Rahimzadeh, editor-in-chief of “Iki sahil” newspaper, Honored journalist, doctor of political sciences, expressed these views in his statement to the media.
Vugar Rahimzadeh noted that Azerbaijan’s opportunities in the oil and gas sector are expanding year by year, implementation of new projects is being put on the agenda. If we pay attention to the successes achieved in the past 29 years since the signing of the “Contract of the Century”, we will see that important projects have been implemented against the background of growing confidence in Azerbaijan.
The transformation of the BTC and BTE oil and gas pipelines, which seemed like a legend to many, into reality was valued as a window to the world. With the opening of this window, there was an incentive for the next projects. Today, our capabilities play their role in determining the oil and gas policy not only within the country, but also in the region and in a wider sense in the world. Over the years, the cooperation that started in the regional framework has expanded its geography and gained an international scale. Today, we are already talking about the growing role of Azerbaijan in ensuring global energy security, the successes of the Southern Gas Corridor, and at the same time, the expansion of the geography of the countries cooperating with us.
The editor-in-chief said that the chronology of the successes achieved in the energy sector of Azerbaijan during the past year since the previous exhibition is a presentation of our multifaceted energy diplomacy. In June last year, within the framework of the Baku Energy Week, Azerbaijan brought together its energy partners in Shusha, the crown of Karabakh and the cultural capital of the Turkic world. The agreement signed in the field of renewable energy in Shusha confirmed that the “green energy” sector of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions has great potential. The head of state Ilham Aliyev declared the liberated Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur a “green energy” zone. In July 2022, during the visit of the President of the European Commission Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen to Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic partnership in the field of energy was signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union, and the implementation of that document has already begun. The signing of the “Agreement on strategic partnership in the field of development and transmission of green energy between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary” in Bucharest on December 17 of last year creates a clear expression of the role played by Azerbaijan in ensuring the energy security of the world.
Vugar Rahimzade noted that Azerbaijan has started building another energy bridge to Europe. Our country plans to become an important supplier of electricity, mainly “green energy” in Europe. It is planned to transport the wind energy obtained from the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to the European markets through transmission lines and an underwater cable that will be laid on the bottom of the Black Sea. Within the framework of this project, it is planned to transport at least 4 gigawatts of “green energy” to Europe. Head of State Ilham Aliyev noted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the promotion of cooperation in April of this year in Sofia among the successes achieved in the energy sector during the period since the last exhibition. This is a project called “Ring of Solidarity”. This is a project where additional interconnectors will be built.
The editor-in-chief emphasized that the implemented successful energy policy strengthens the position of Azerbaijan as a reliable partner. In his address to the participants of Baku Energy Week, Head of State Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that Baku Energy Week will further strengthen the dialogue on global cooperation on energy security and diversification of energy sources. This event, which is traditionally held every year, is an opportunity for discussions in the direction of ensuring global energy security, the potential of alternative and renewable energy, including the promotion of “green energy” projects, as well as the diversification of energy sources. Summing up, Azerbaijan has created a successful example in cooperation with all foreign partners in the field of oil and gas and in the export of energy resources. Currently, Azerbaijan is repeating its success in the history of oil and gas by implementing projects related to the export of “green energy”. At the end of his speech at the opening of the 28th International Caspian Oil and Gas – “Caspian Oil & Gas” and 11th International Caspian Energy and Green Energy – “Caspian Power” exhibitions within the Baku Energy Week, the head of state noted that the next meeting will be held in February next year in Baku . We already have new participants, new ideas, plans. As long as you do these things, everything will be successful.
