President of Azerbaijan partakes in WEF session "The great game revisited"

President Ilham Aliyev participated in a panel discussion about geopolitics in Central Asia titled "The Great Game Revisited: Jockeying for Position in Central Asia". The event was also attended by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Edward Nalbandian.

Asked by Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer about double standards in Europe President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan has pursued an independent policy since 1991. Azerbaijan and European Union signed the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan, a memorandum on energy strategic partnership. It shows the level of ties between Azerbaijan and Europe. President Ilham Aliyev noted double standards exist everywhere. Azerbaijani leader described Azerbaijan-EU cooperation as positive, stressing it will be continued.

When asked about the way to avoid energy issues when talking about great game and outlook for Nabucco project in the light of Europe`s efforts to reduce gas dependency on Russia, President Ilham Aliyev said, "Thanks to cooperation and partnership with foreign companies we deliver natural resources to the world market. Today, Azerbaijan has seven oil and gas pipelines. Oil and gas is exported to the foreign market. Azerbaijan plays important role as the energy-rich country, which is not only a transit country but also an exporter. Azerbaijan has rich fields".

On the Budapest summit, Ilham Aliyev pointed out that there is good outlook for Nabucco project and Europe must seriously support this project with financial issues settled. According to him, Azerbaijan intends to broaden its export network.

Azerbaijani leader noted Azerbaijan has no links with Armenia because this country occupied Azerbaijani lands. Discussions produced no results. Cooperation is not possible unless Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity is restored. Lands must be freed, UN principles must be accepted and borders must be recognized, President Aliyev added.

Answering the question "What would you recommend to the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili in 2009", President Ilham Aliyev noted Azerbaijan and Georgia implement important projects. According to him, it is good for the Europe`s energy security. Bilateral ties are developing. The Head of State wished every success to the leadership and people of Georgia. Azerbaijan will do its best to support neighboring Georgia. Azerbaijan invested three billion dollars in Georgia. This work is being successfully done by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan. It will contribute to the cooperation and development of the region, President Aliyev added.

/AzerTac/