Domestic

Home page

Domestic

Burzu Aliyev: I will do my best for the development of Ukraine-Azerbaijan intergovernmental relations â€“ EXCLUSIVE

Burzu Aliyev: I will do my best for the development of Ukraine-Azerbaijan intergovernmental relations <font color=red>â€“ EXCLUSIVE </font>

18 February 2008 11:55 (UTC +04:00)

Profile. Burzu Aliyev was born in Aghdam region of Azerbaijan in 1965. He graduated from the faculty of informatics and computer engineering of Kyiv Technical Institute in 1993 and International Business School of Kyiv Magellan Academy in 1999. He is an international economist. Burzu Aliyev had been head of financial department of Ukraineâ€™s ACME company. He had been appointed Ukraineâ€™s Deputy Fuel and Energy Minister on February 13 this year. He is married, has two children.

-When did you move to Ukraine?
-I came to this country for military service in 1983. Later I decided to stay and get higher education here. In 1993 I graduated from the faculty of informatics and computer engineering of Kyiv Technical Institute. In 1999 I graduated from International Business School of Kyiv Magellan Academy and became international economist. I started my career and I got married. Once I felt I was a Ukrainian. This is a fate.
-How did you start your career?
-I worked here when I was a student. I used to unload wagons, I studied well and wanted to dress well. I held different posts after graduated the institute. I can say that I am a professional in my sphere. As I arrived in Ukraine, I considered myself the citizen of this country. I am glad to be one of the first citizens of independent Ukraine.
-When did you become the member of Our Ukraine party? Do you know President Victor Yushchenko closely?
-I do not know President Victor Yushchenko closely, of course I know him as president, and he knows that I am an entrepreneur. I am not the member of any party yet, but I have been cooperating with Our Ukraine.
-How were you appointed to this post? Who offered you the post?
-I was nominated from the bloc â€œOur Ukraine Peopleâ€™s Self-Defenceâ€ in the recent parliamentary elections. After the parliamentary elections the bloc established a coalition with the party of present Prime Minister Yuliya Timoshenko and formed the new government. I was offered a post in the new government and I agreed.
-What steps do you plan to take to bring Ukraine and Azerbaijan closer?
-Peoples of Ukraine and Azerbaijan are very close. Ukraine is one of those countries which have unanimous attitude towards Azerbaijan. These countries have close cooperation in the framework of GUAM. The idea of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic to build an oil refinery in Ukraine was hailed. I have just taken the office, and to tell the truth I am not acquainted with the spheres that I will deal with well enough, and thatâ€™s why I can not promise anything at present. I am responsible for 21 departments. It is very difficult. I can only say that I will do my best for the development of Ukraine-Azerbaijan intergovernmental relations.
-President Yushchenko stated that the solution of â€œfrozen conflictsâ€ is important in the cooperation of Black Sea countries. Nagorno Karabakh conflict is one of these conflicts. How do you imagine the solution of this conflict?
-Azerbaijan is a country which has specific weight in the region. This country is known as a leader of the Caucasus in Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan acts in this direction. If Azerbaijani economy becomes stronger, its army will also be strong. Policy pursued by Azerbaijani President is true and I support this policy.
-How do you appreciate the importance of project of Odessa-Brodi-Plotsk-Gdansk pipeline for Ukraine and Europe?
I appreciate it. Ukraine is an Eastern Europe country. Such projects will help it to be close to European standards.
-Which arguments can be used for transportation of Azerbaijani oil, as well as Kazakh oil via this pipeline?
I am not ready to answer to this question. I will do my best for participation of Kazakhstan in this project.
-How are your relations with Azerbaijan at present? Have you got any friends in motherland?
-All Azerbaijanis are my friends. I express my gratitude to all citizens who congratulated me on my appointment. I follow all information about Azerbaijan. I watch Azerbaijani TV channels at home. I was a representative of 1st congress of World Azerbaijanis and honorary guest o f 2nd congress. I am happy that, Azerbaijani economy and policy develops rapidly.
-I hear that, you like mugam very much. You listen to mugam at home and in the car.
-This love is connected with my motherland. I consider mugam a pearl of world music. I like all mugam singers. I watched all programs of mugam competition carried out with financial support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I released 2 CDs of unforgettable Sakhavat Mammadov in Kyiv and I will release all his performances till autumn. It will be a present for 55th jubilee of Sakhavat Mammadov. I am interested in Azerbaijani literature. I knew poets of Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh by heart before. I read the book â€œTochkiâ€ of Gulu Agsas at present. I gave his book to all my colleagues here.