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Weekly economic review (Sept.15-19)

Analysis Materials 23 September 2014 14:53 (UTC +04:00)

Aliyev says no losers in Southern Gas Corridor's launch

The Southern Gas Corridor project is very beneficial for the partner countries, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in Baku Sept. 20, at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 'Contract of the Century' and laying the foundation of the Southern Gas Corridor.

"There will be no losers following the implementation of this project. Each side will have benefits," the president said.

He said the transit countries, which are also the consumer countries, will achieve the diversification of gas sources.

The Azerbaijani president went on to add that the Southern Gas Corridor will ensure the energy security of Europe.

"It is no coincidence that the document signed three years ago between the European Commission and Azerbaijan, focuses on the fact that Azerbaijan is a country, playing a very important role in ensuring Europe's energy security," President Aliyev said.

He noted that from now on, this role will increase.

"The energy security is a matter of national security of every country. Today, it is totally impossible to separate the energy industry from politics and economy, and we will take part in ensuring Europe's energy security jointly with our partners," President Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani president said the Shah Deniz gas field is the main source, but Azerbaijan has even more gas resources.

He said the volume of proven gas reserves stands at 2.5 trillion cubic meters, and the projected reserves amount to 4 or 5 trillion cubic meters, adding that for Europe the Caspian gas is the only new source.

"Europe has other sources as well and their volume may increase, however, today Azerbaijan is the new source," President Aliyev said.

The president expressed confidence that the energy security, diversification of routes, joint activity of the producing, transiting and consumer countries will bring success, as there needs to be a very serious coordination in this activity.

"Until today, only three countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey participated in our oil and gas projects. From this day on we are entering a process of broad international cooperation," he said.

The president said Azerbaijan as a gas producer, will deliver its resources to the world markets.

He added that this project will be joined by Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy, and in the future by Montenegro, Croatia and other countries.

"Therefore, the coordination here needs to stand at a very high level. I believe that a new international team is being formed in today's oil and gas sector. All members of this team are now in this hall. I am sure our joint work will be successful, and our team will achieve success," President Ilham Aliyev said.

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