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Azerbaijani President makes statement on discovery of new gas field in the Caspian Sea

09 September 2011 16:13 (UTC +04:00)

The statement reads: â€œDuring todayâ€™s meeting with the leadership of French TOTAL company, they told me about the discovery of big gas reserves in Absheron depsit located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. I want to convey this glad news to Azerbaijani nation. I want to congratulate all Azerbaijani nation on occasion of this event. It is a great event. It is a great contribution to development of gas potential of Azerbaijan.

Absheron deposit was discovered by Azerbaijani geologist in 1960s. as a result of the fulfillment of Azerbaijanâ€™s oil strategy and Heydar Aliyevâ€™s policy, Azerbaijanâ€™s opportunities increased significantly. At present we have such drilling rigs with the help which we can conduct drilling works in any part of the Caspian Sea.

1st international contract on Absheron deposit was signed in 1997, in 2005 it was put an end. But we believed that there are productive layers in Absheron deposit. On the basis of this mutual interest the second contract on Absheron deposit was signed between Total company and SOCAR. Maybe it is very rare event in the world history â€“ to sign second contract on one deposit. I once more want to say that a very big gas field has been discovered in Absheron.

Our energy policy has one purpose â€“ to provide the interests of Azerbaijani nation and deepen regional cooperation. Very important steps were taken in this regard. Today, we have many-brahcned energy transport infrastructure. We have 7 oil-gas pipes. Today, Azerbaijani oil and gas is transported on different directions to Europe and world market. Traditionally was known as an oil country, but today Azerbaijan is a very important gas exporting country for the world.

We have a lot of plans. We do many things in this direction. I am sure that all transit issues will be solved until the end of this year, new markets will be revealed for Azerbaijani gas.

EU and Azerbaijan have very productive relations in this direction. In January, 2011, very important declaration on â€œSouthernâ€ gas corridor was signed between the EU and Azerbaijan. Todayâ€™s negotiations will have positive results in the near future. At the same time, the discovery of new gas field is a great contribution to Azerbaijanâ€™s energy security. We completely supply our energy security. Umid gas field, recently discovered by SOCAR has great potential. All preparation works are successfully underway for 2nd phase of Shahdaniz field. Serious talks are conducted with foreign partners. Azerbaijanâ€™s gas potential shows its importance not only for our country, region, but also for the world.

Moreover, concrete steps are taken for gas supply in all regions of the country. Azerbaijanâ€™s policy is very right, exact in this direction and serves to national interests of Azerbaijan. I am sure that such glad news will be more. New opportunities will be created for the development of Azerbaijan in the future as well.

I once more want to congratulate Azerbaijani nation on this big event. It is a great event, it once more shows that our country has great opportunities, potential and very beautiful futureâ€.