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Scottish Parliament magazine publishes article on Azerbaijan

07 October 2013 15:20 (UTC +04:00)

TEAS told APA that this will be distributed at the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference that runs from 17–20 October. Copies are distributed to all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and delegates attending the conference.

The article emphasises the close relationship between Scotland and Azerbaijan, particularly as Aberdeen is the energy capital of Europe, and is the headquarters of BP’s North Sea exploration and production businesses that employs 2,500 people. In turn, BP is also the leading overseas investor in Azerbaijani energy exploration. Hundreds of Azerbaijanis have made their homes in Scotland over the past two decades, and the reverse is true in Azerbaijan.

It goes on to quote Alex Salmond, First Minister for Scotland, who said: “Aberdeen has strong links to Azerbaijan, with commercial partnerships active there since the early 1990s. Azerbaijan is already the sixth largest export market for Scotland’s oil and gas service/supply base.”

The article also quotes Peter Steven, former Lord Provost of Aberdeen, who remarked: “In the following years, we hope to widen our relationship with the cities in the Caspian region, look for opportunities in mutual exchange and involvement and also encourage trade and investments between our cities. As the co-operation with the countries of the Caspian region grows, we are considering opportunities to develop co-operation in the non-energy sector.”

The article emphasises the strong educational and cultural relationship between Scotland and Azerbaijan, and comments on the planned Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, which will carry Azerbaijani gas directly in to Western Europe. It acknowledges the role of current President Ilham Aliyev in securing the original Contract of the Century with a BP-led consortium.