Azerbaijan, Baku, June 2 / Trend , A. Badalova/ Azerbaijan is becoming a strong energy leader in the region and can contribute to European energy security, U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Richard Morningstar said at opening ceremony of the annual 16th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, Incorporating Refining and Petrochemicals on June 2.
"Today's event [oil and gas exhibition] emphasizes great potential of the region," Morningstar said.
The U.S. recognizes Azerbaijan as an imperative partner in energy sphere, he added.
The international exhibition that opened today is supported by Azerbaijani Industry and Energy Ministry and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). The project is also involves partner companies - ITE Group PLC - Iteca Caspian LLC (Azerbaijan), ITE LLC Moscow (Russia), EUF (Turkey), GIMA (Germany), ITE China (China), ITE Gulf (United Arab Emirates), which attract international companies to the exhibition.
New companies will cover 20 percent of the total area of exposition. Over 40 percent will be covered by global companies, including BP, Itochu, OMV Gas International GmbH, SOCAR, StatoilHydro ASA, Total and TPAO.
A traditional 16th international oil and gas conference will start on June 3 and run through June 4. The conference will be attended by 450 delegates from 23 countries. Rapporteurs of the conference include ministers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, as well as officials from ministries and state organizations from the United States, Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom.