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U.S. Congressâ€™ briefing: â€œThe decision on TAP project is an indicator of the political will and leadership of the Azerbaijani governmentâ€

18 July 2013 08:33 (UTC +04:00)

APA reports that SOCAR Vice-President Elshad Nasirov and Senior Director of International Affairs in BP Greg Saunders delivered speeches at the briefing along with the ambassadors of the countries participating in the project. Members of the Congress, experts of various analytical centers, officials of the U.S. Department of State and media representatives attended the event that caused great interest.

Moderator of the event, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov spoke about the prospects of the decision on “The Southern Gas Corridor” made by the Azerbaijani government and noted that the realization of this project would serve the creation of a new geopolitical realities, as well as improvement of the economic and social wellfare of the participating countries.

Albanian Ambassador to the United States Gilbert Galanxhi said the decision on TAP is a very important and significant for his country and this strategic decision is very promising.

Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos characterized Azerbaijan as the most reliable ally of Europe in the energy sector. The Ambassador said TAP project is a priority for Greece and realization of the project would contribute to the economic development of the country suffering from the consequences of the economic crisis.

Counselor for Economic Affairs of the Italian Embassy Lorenzo Galanti said TAP project that will carry Caspian gas to European borders is included in Italy’s national energy security concept and due to the project his country will take the position of the energy center.

SOCAR Vice-President Elshad Nasirov said TAP project is just the beginning and connecting pipelines would be constructed in the future through involvement of the Balkan states. As a first step, construction of Greece-Bulgaria connecting pipelines and exploitation of other natural gas fields will start.

Delivering a final speech, Saunders regarded Azerbaijan as one of the world's most reliable energy partners open to cooperation. Saunders said that with the "Contract of the Century" signed and implemented, Azerbaijan has successfully completed the first part of its energy policy and TAP project that is the second part of the policy promises great prospects and opportunities.

The speakers noted that the decision on TAP project is a direct indicator of the political will and leadership of the Azerbaijani government.