Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Feb. 28 / Trend H. Hasanov /
Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Huseyn Bagirov, taking part in the i nternational c onference " Environmental A pects of Trans-Caspian P ipeline s" opened in Ashgabat , called to observe the highest environmental standards in the Caspian Sea.
"We must do everything possible not only for implementing oil and gas projects, but also observing the highest environmental standards in this sphere , " he said.
He added that the Caspian Sea was always famous for its natural resources . T heir importance continues to increase for the economies of coastal countries .
" While developing the energy resources , the main task is to observe the balance between production processes and environmental protection , " Bagirov said .
He noted that the peculiarity of the Caspian ecosystem uniquely determines the relevant requirements for the operation strateg y of economies of these countries . The process of developing hydrocarbons by Caspian countries is directly associated with the increasing welfare of these countries.
He said that the analysis of the situation for the last years demonstrates that the situation of the Caspian environment has improved significantly , as the Soviet economy was replaced by more modern production .
"The technologies , that have been used in the oil and gas industry began to change greatly ," he said. Bagirov noted the appearance of large international companies in the Caspian Sea having modern technolog ies and high standards in the field as o ne of the positive factors.
He also stressed that Azerbaijan implement s the billion -investments in reconstruction and restoration of major water treatment plants . It helps to prevent pollution of the Caspian Sea.
Roughly 300 delegates from nearly 20 countries are involved in the forum . The Azerbaijani delegation include s the representatives of SOCAR.