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Azerbaijani President: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are starting joint work on the development of a field in the Caspian Sea for the first time

21 January 2021 20:53 (UTC +04:00)

I regret that I was not able to attend the ceremony in brotherly Turkmenistan today. But this is obviously not possible yet due the pandemic. Nevertheless, we have the opportunity to meet in the format of a video conference today, discuss important issues and witness the signing of a significant document that reflects both the nature and spirit of our fraternal and friendly relations, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a meeting through video conferencing with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in connection with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Turkmenistan on joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources of the “Dostlug” field in the Caspian Sea.

"I am deeply convinced that without close political interaction between our countries at all levels, primarily at the level of presidents, the signing of the document would be impossible today. Dear Gurbanguly Myalikgulyevich, we have made joint efforts to ensure that relevant agencies of our countries work exactly as the presidents indicate to them – in the spirit of cooperation, friendship, mutual support and correct understanding of mutual interests. Therefore, I would call today's document historic because Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are starting joint work on the development of a field in the Caspian Sea for the first time, and this field and work on the field will bring our countries and peoples even closer together and benefit both the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples.

The relations between our countries have been on an upward trend in recent years. It is enough to look at the chronology of mutual visits at the highest level. Over the past three years, five visits of the presidents of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan and other mutual visits took place. During these visits, more than 50 documents were signed. For comparison, let me note that more than 100 documents have been signed in the entire history of our relationship, half of which were signed in the last three years. The most gratifying thing is that they are all being implemented, including the agreements we have reached on cooperation in the energy sector. Today's signing ceremony opens a new page in the development of the Caspian's hydrocarbon resources. This project will contribute to the strengthening of the energy security of our countries, as well as our neighbors. This project opens up great export opportunities, thereby contributing to the growth of the well-being of our peoples," added President Aliyev.