Azerbaijan, Baku, 6 November / Trend corr. U.Ismayilova / The economic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are at top level.
"I think there are no other countries holding the same level of relations," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at the Turkish Parliament on 6 November. His speech was broadcast live on TRT2 channel.
"The goods turnover is increasing. Many Turkish companies operate in Azerbaijan and vice versa. Now we are speaking about mutual investments and it is very important," President Aliyev said.
According to President, the investments put in Azerbaijan strengthen the country's economy.
"We are glad that the most part of the investments comes from Turkey. The Azerbaijani companies have commenced investing in Turkey. On the one side, that demonstrates the growing opportunities of Azerbaijan, and on the other side, the friendly relations between the two countries play an important role," he said.
According to the Azerbaijani President, as a result of joint initiatives, important trans-national projects are being implemented in the region. The successful operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline adds both to strengthening of the stability in the region and to intensification of cooperation, consequently improving the economic opportunities of the countries.
"Now we are observing the successful operation of the East-West energy corridor, which is based on our joint initiatives. Everyone knows that the construction of the BTC pipeline was fulfilled in a very complicated geopolitical situation. After long-lasting talks and even disputes we could complete the implementation," said President.
BTC, capable of pumping 50mln tons of oil per year, transports the Azerbaijani light oil produced from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli block of fields.
"That is not only an energy and economic project. The project has a very important sense and it will unite our nations through economic interests for many years," he said.
The energy security issues of the region cannot be solved without Turkey and Azerbaijan, he said.
"The natural resources of the Caspian Sea are a new source for the world energy market. The importance of the source will be growing," President said.
As to the gas operation, President said that several years ago Azerbaijan was importing gas, but presently the country is exporting the fuel, first of all to Turkey.
"I am convinced that the development of gas resources in Azerbaijan will entail larger volumes in subsequent years," he said.
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