`The partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey is constantly increasing. The partnership with Turkey on the energy sector has been stepped up to global partnership from a regional one. We implement important energy projects with Turkey successfully`, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev told at a working lunch as part of the G20 Antalya Summit.

Azerbaijan is the first country producing oil in the middle of the XIX century, the head of the State told.

“In mid- XX centuries the oil production was launched in Absheron. In the XXI century, we implement the project named “South gas corridor”. Azerbaijan and Turkey successfully implement this project. This project unites Turkey and Azerbaijan and Caspian sea and Mediterranean sea. This is the first event in the history. The gas pipeline also unites Azerbaijan and Turkey. In this regard, we are not only the oil producer, but also gas producer. Both projects were launched to carry out ten years ago. These projects allow us to sell more oil and gas and let our partners use alternative energy sources. It is clear that Caspian sea is isolated from the World`s oceans. However, Azerbaijan can deliver its natural resources to the world. We joined our efforts with our partners in 1994. Obviously, we successfully collaborate with our partners. Additionally, the partnership facilitates the implementation of these projects. Hopefully, South Gas Corridor will successfully be implemented. I am grateful to Erdogan, the president of Turkey for his support and our cooperation on these projects. We have great investors in Azerbaijan. Furthermore,I am thankful to the US president, Obama for his support for the implementation of the US projects. We could not succeed in the mid-1990s without their supports. Additionally, I am thankful to Cameron, deputy minister of Great Britain. Great Britain is the greatest investor in Azerbaijan more than 20 years. In this manner, we are able to strengthen our collaboration in trade, investment and other fields. Moreover, I thank to my friend Renzi on this occasion. Italy will be the greatest importer of this gas. The implementation of this project will create opportunities to penetrate into the market of other countries via Italy.

`$ 45 billion worth of investment will allow to launch an integrated gas network which is make possible to transport gas produced in the Caspian Sea: `Passing through Turkey and Georgia the produced gas will be transported to Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and Italy through Adriatic sea. This project requires coordinated effort of governments, countries and companies. And we can already see the good results of the very efforts. Azerbaijan`s gas reserves are estimated at 2.6 trillion cubic meters. It is confirmed figure. But Azerbaijan`s potential gas reserves are estimated at 5 trillion cubic meters. This is enough not only for us but also our neighbours and European consumers. It is a project of energy security. The issue of energy security can not be considered separately from the country`s national security. Our energy sources and routes are new for Europe. The project is expected to change the whole energy map and Azerbaijan has already proved itself as a reliable partner. Of course we should meet the interests of transit, producer and consumer countries. To achieve all our goals we have to create equal and favorable conditions for all parties. `

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