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AZERI, TURKISH LEADERS PLEASED WITH BILATERAL ENERGY COOPERATION
Lider TV
June 4 2008
Azerbaijan
"Historical" meeting
[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a face-to-face meeting and a meeting
attended by delegates in Naxcivan. After the discussions, the heads
of state made a joint statement. President Ilham Aliyev said that
this historical meeting was also of political significance.
[Ilham Aliyev speaking at a meeting] Dear Prime Minister, dear
guests. It's my pleasure to welcome you in Azerbaijan's ancient
land of Naxcivan. Your visit is of great significance and I am sure
that this visit will be successful. We discussed bilateral and
multilateral issues and once again witnessed that our positions
coincide on all issues. In the future, we will certainly try to
further develop our relations. We have many projects to implement and
currently, we are jointly implementing the most important projects
successfully. Bilateral relations and regional processes depend on our
joint activities. I also welcome all the members of the delegation
who have come to Naxcivan. This is a very significant event because
you are represented by quite a big delegation. Naxcivan is an ancient
Azerbaijani land and is the only place in Azerbaijan that borders on
Turkey. The bridge that connects both countries was named the Umid
[Hope] bridge and was the only way out of blockaded Naxcivan. Naxcivan
is on its way to development as you will witness today.
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking in Turkish] Thank you very much for your
warm welcome. Turkey and Azerbaijan are fraternal states. Our economic,
military, political, cultural and other relations are developing
day by day. Considering the importance of the meeting in Naxcivan,
most state ministers are represented in our delegation. And also,
I personally wanted to see Naxcivan. I believe that this meeting
and other meetings and visits to be held later today will add more
significance to this visit. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has
experienced great development over the past few years. This path of
development which started under the leadership of the late Heydar
Aliyev continues today. Of course, this development makes Azerbaijan
even more important in the region. I believe that the steps to be
taken from now on will also strengthen the Azerbaijani youth even more.
Common interests
[Correspondent] After the meeting, Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a press
conference.
[Ilham Aliyev speaking at the press conference] Dear Prime Minister,
dear friend, dear guests. Once again I welcome you all in the ancient
Azerbaijani land. I regularly meet Mr Prime Minister in Baku, Ankara,
Istanbul and other cities. This is the first time that we have met here
in Naxcivan. Thank you, Dear Prime Minister, for finding time to visit
Naxcivan. This visit is of political significance as well. Naxcivan
is the only place that has a land border with Turkey. Relations with
Turkey, especially in the early 1990s, played a great role in the
development of Naxcivan. Today, our relations are developing in all
fields. Today we discussed the directions of bilateral relations. Our
positions coincide on all the issues that were discussed. Political
relations are developing rapidly. Our economic potential is growing. We
are implementing energy projects that strengthen our countries.
We also exchanged opinions about the Nagornyy Karabakh issue and
future plans regarding the issue. Turkey's position and support
in this issue is very important for us. Turkey demonstrated its
support during the adoption of the UN resolution on the occupied
Azerbaijani territories. We also had a discussion about future
projects. Huge projects such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan [oil pipeline],
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum [gas [pipeline] and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars [railway]
bring us even closer. These projects play a great role for the whole
Turkic world because other Turkic-speaking nations may effectively
benefit from these projects, and initial agreements have already been
reached. We are open to cooperation both in energy and transport
projects. Our relations are a great contribution to regional
cooperation. No project can be implemented and no initiative can be
made in the region without Turkey and Azerbaijan's participation. We
have to make effective use of these chances.
A new period has been launched in the field of mutual
investments. Azerbaijani companies invest in Turkish industries and
infrastructure. This is very important for us, because the biggest
foreign investments are made in Turkey, which is natural. Growing
political and economic links will strengthen both countries. Issues
discussed today such as the energy security of Naxcivan will further
expand development initiatives. I am sure that after the Turkish prime
minister's historical visit to Naxcivan, new opportunities will open
up. Thank you.
Trade turnover to reach 3bn dollars
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking in Turkish at the news conference]
Mr President, dear guests. Taking this chance, I would like
to express my pleasure to be in Azerbaijan, Naxcivan. I would
also like to thank you for your hospitality and attention to our
delegation. During our meetings, we discussed political, military,
trade, cultural and educational links between our countries. We also
had a chance to discuss our future plans. These relations develop
on a day-to-day basis. I am happy that we have common positions on
issues of development, peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The
resolution of the Karabakh problem within the framework of Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity and in accordance with international norms
is our great wish. We will continue to support this position as we
have done up to now. Once again, I would like to emphasize that we
are ready to do our best to protect peace and stability in the South
Caucasus. I would like to express my pleasure with Azerbaijan's support
on the Northern Cyprus issue. Economic and trade relations between our
countries continue to grow. Relations between Naxcivan and Turkey are
developing as well. Turkey is the country that has made the biggest
investment in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector with a total amount of
investment exceeding 5.5bn dollars. Currently, the trade turnover
between Turkey and Azerbaijan is 1.2bn dollars and we will try to
increase this number to 3bn dollars in the next two years. Naxcivan
is our biggest trading partner at this stage. Energy projects such
as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum are an indication of
strong links between our countries. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
project will also become one of the most important projects. The
ground-breaking ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project will be held
in July. The Naxcivan meeting is a historical one, as the president
said. I believe that our relations will continue to grow. Thank you.
Turkey to use Azerbaijani gas
[CNN Turk correspondent speaking in Turkish] Will there be any changes
to visa procedures and what role can Turkey play in the resolution
of the Karabakh problem?
[Erdogan] We have agreed on a certain guideline with regards to the
visa regime and this guideline will soon be made effective. Regarding
your other question, it's an issue of occupation as stipulated by UN
resolutions. But these resolutions are being ignored. We want the
Minsk Group to speed up the negotiations for the sake of peace and
prosperity in the region.
[Azerbaijan state television correspondent] How will these meetings
contribute to the economic development of Naxcivan?
[Ilham Aliyev] The results of this visit will be successful. The
mutual trade turnover is growing. We discussed the energy security
of Naxcivan. Turkey will deliver natural gas to Naxcivan after the
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline is launched. We are also thinking of
linking Naxcivan to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project which is a project
requiring huge financial investments. In general, Naxcivan's economic
potential makes it possible to expand relations with Turkey. Turkish
companies are very active in Naxcivan.
[Another Turkish correspondent speaking in Turkish] Would you please
comment more on energy cooperation issues?
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan] Turkey is a transit country. At the same time,
Turkey will use the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline project to meet
its own needs. Energy ministers have received relevant instructions
on this matter. The amount of gas that will be delivered to Turkey
has yet to be defined. We also discussed the Nabucco [gas pipeline]
project. Within the existing capacity, it's planned that natural gas
will also be delivered through Nabucco.
[Azad Azarbaycan TV correspondent] How do you see the future prospects
of Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation?
[Ilham Aliyev] We have successfully cooperated at the international
level as well. Our positions coincide in the Organization of the
Islamic Conference and the UN. The next meeting of Turkic-speaking
nations will be organized in Baku. Our delegations in the Council of
Europe always support each other. We had a Turkish-Azerbaijani joint
diaspora meeting which was very important because we have the same
enemies and the same interests.
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan] We intend to continue to support each other
in international organizations such as the UN, the Organization of
the Islamic Conference and the Council of Europe. We have to prove
that we are one nation - two states.
Lider TV
June 4 2008
Azerbaijan
"Historical" meeting
[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a face-to-face meeting and a meeting
attended by delegates in Naxcivan. After the discussions, the heads
of state made a joint statement. President Ilham Aliyev said that
this historical meeting was also of political significance.
[Ilham Aliyev speaking at a meeting] Dear Prime Minister, dear
guests. It's my pleasure to welcome you in Azerbaijan's ancient
land of Naxcivan. Your visit is of great significance and I am sure
that this visit will be successful. We discussed bilateral and
multilateral issues and once again witnessed that our positions
coincide on all issues. In the future, we will certainly try to
further develop our relations. We have many projects to implement and
currently, we are jointly implementing the most important projects
successfully. Bilateral relations and regional processes depend on our
joint activities. I also welcome all the members of the delegation
who have come to Naxcivan. This is a very significant event because
you are represented by quite a big delegation. Naxcivan is an ancient
Azerbaijani land and is the only place in Azerbaijan that borders on
Turkey. The bridge that connects both countries was named the Umid
[Hope] bridge and was the only way out of blockaded Naxcivan. Naxcivan
is on its way to development as you will witness today.
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking in Turkish] Thank you very much for your
warm welcome. Turkey and Azerbaijan are fraternal states. Our economic,
military, political, cultural and other relations are developing
day by day. Considering the importance of the meeting in Naxcivan,
most state ministers are represented in our delegation. And also,
I personally wanted to see Naxcivan. I believe that this meeting
and other meetings and visits to be held later today will add more
significance to this visit. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has
experienced great development over the past few years. This path of
development which started under the leadership of the late Heydar
Aliyev continues today. Of course, this development makes Azerbaijan
even more important in the region. I believe that the steps to be
taken from now on will also strengthen the Azerbaijani youth even more.
Common interests
[Correspondent] After the meeting, Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a press
conference.
[Ilham Aliyev speaking at the press conference] Dear Prime Minister,
dear friend, dear guests. Once again I welcome you all in the ancient
Azerbaijani land. I regularly meet Mr Prime Minister in Baku, Ankara,
Istanbul and other cities. This is the first time that we have met here
in Naxcivan. Thank you, Dear Prime Minister, for finding time to visit
Naxcivan. This visit is of political significance as well. Naxcivan
is the only place that has a land border with Turkey. Relations with
Turkey, especially in the early 1990s, played a great role in the
development of Naxcivan. Today, our relations are developing in all
fields. Today we discussed the directions of bilateral relations. Our
positions coincide on all the issues that were discussed. Political
relations are developing rapidly. Our economic potential is growing. We
are implementing energy projects that strengthen our countries.
We also exchanged opinions about the Nagornyy Karabakh issue and
future plans regarding the issue. Turkey's position and support
in this issue is very important for us. Turkey demonstrated its
support during the adoption of the UN resolution on the occupied
Azerbaijani territories. We also had a discussion about future
projects. Huge projects such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan [oil pipeline],
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum [gas [pipeline] and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars [railway]
bring us even closer. These projects play a great role for the whole
Turkic world because other Turkic-speaking nations may effectively
benefit from these projects, and initial agreements have already been
reached. We are open to cooperation both in energy and transport
projects. Our relations are a great contribution to regional
cooperation. No project can be implemented and no initiative can be
made in the region without Turkey and Azerbaijan's participation. We
have to make effective use of these chances.
A new period has been launched in the field of mutual
investments. Azerbaijani companies invest in Turkish industries and
infrastructure. This is very important for us, because the biggest
foreign investments are made in Turkey, which is natural. Growing
political and economic links will strengthen both countries. Issues
discussed today such as the energy security of Naxcivan will further
expand development initiatives. I am sure that after the Turkish prime
minister's historical visit to Naxcivan, new opportunities will open
up. Thank you.
Trade turnover to reach 3bn dollars
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking in Turkish at the news conference]
Mr President, dear guests. Taking this chance, I would like
to express my pleasure to be in Azerbaijan, Naxcivan. I would
also like to thank you for your hospitality and attention to our
delegation. During our meetings, we discussed political, military,
trade, cultural and educational links between our countries. We also
had a chance to discuss our future plans. These relations develop
on a day-to-day basis. I am happy that we have common positions on
issues of development, peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The
resolution of the Karabakh problem within the framework of Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity and in accordance with international norms
is our great wish. We will continue to support this position as we
have done up to now. Once again, I would like to emphasize that we
are ready to do our best to protect peace and stability in the South
Caucasus. I would like to express my pleasure with Azerbaijan's support
on the Northern Cyprus issue. Economic and trade relations between our
countries continue to grow. Relations between Naxcivan and Turkey are
developing as well. Turkey is the country that has made the biggest
investment in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector with a total amount of
investment exceeding 5.5bn dollars. Currently, the trade turnover
between Turkey and Azerbaijan is 1.2bn dollars and we will try to
increase this number to 3bn dollars in the next two years. Naxcivan
is our biggest trading partner at this stage. Energy projects such
as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum are an indication of
strong links between our countries. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
project will also become one of the most important projects. The
ground-breaking ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project will be held
in July. The Naxcivan meeting is a historical one, as the president
said. I believe that our relations will continue to grow. Thank you.
Turkey to use Azerbaijani gas
[CNN Turk correspondent speaking in Turkish] Will there be any changes
to visa procedures and what role can Turkey play in the resolution
of the Karabakh problem?
[Erdogan] We have agreed on a certain guideline with regards to the
visa regime and this guideline will soon be made effective. Regarding
your other question, it's an issue of occupation as stipulated by UN
resolutions. But these resolutions are being ignored. We want the
Minsk Group to speed up the negotiations for the sake of peace and
prosperity in the region.
[Azerbaijan state television correspondent] How will these meetings
contribute to the economic development of Naxcivan?
[Ilham Aliyev] The results of this visit will be successful. The
mutual trade turnover is growing. We discussed the energy security
of Naxcivan. Turkey will deliver natural gas to Naxcivan after the
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline is launched. We are also thinking of
linking Naxcivan to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project which is a project
requiring huge financial investments. In general, Naxcivan's economic
potential makes it possible to expand relations with Turkey. Turkish
companies are very active in Naxcivan.
[Another Turkish correspondent speaking in Turkish] Would you please
comment more on energy cooperation issues?
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan] Turkey is a transit country. At the same time,
Turkey will use the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline project to meet
its own needs. Energy ministers have received relevant instructions
on this matter. The amount of gas that will be delivered to Turkey
has yet to be defined. We also discussed the Nabucco [gas pipeline]
project. Within the existing capacity, it's planned that natural gas
will also be delivered through Nabucco.
[Azad Azarbaycan TV correspondent] How do you see the future prospects
of Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation?
[Ilham Aliyev] We have successfully cooperated at the international
level as well. Our positions coincide in the Organization of the
Islamic Conference and the UN. The next meeting of Turkic-speaking
nations will be organized in Baku. Our delegations in the Council of
Europe always support each other. We had a Turkish-Azerbaijani joint
diaspora meeting which was very important because we have the same
enemies and the same interests.
[Recep Tayyip Erdogan] We intend to continue to support each other
in international organizations such as the UN, the Organization of
the Islamic Conference and the Council of Europe. We have to prove
that we are one nation - two states.