Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources of Dostluk Field in the Caspian Sea was held in the capital on January 21.
Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Alieyv have welcomed the adoption of this important document, which reflects current high status of primordially good neighboring and friendly interstate relations.
Before the signing ceremony, Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has received Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov.
Having expressed gratitude for the opportunity of personal meeting and cordial welcome rendered at hospitable Turkmen land, the guest highlighted the willingness of Azerbaijan for further intensification of cooperation in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Having greeted the head of Azerbaijan delegation, which arrived to Ashgabat for signing of the document on bilateral cooperation, Turkmen leader expressed invariable commitment of our country to intensification of traditional relations with friendly Republic of Azerbaijan on the principles of peace loving and good neighborliness.
During the meeting, which was held in businesslike and fruitful manner, the sides have exchanged the opinions on current condition and future of the partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats in number of the main directions including in fuel and energy, transport and communication spheres.
Having expressed satisfaction with steadfast dynamics of development of Turkmen Azeri collaboration including under big international organizations and competent regional structures, Turkmen leader and head of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan confirmed mutual interest of the sides in diversification of traditional partnership, which is built on long-term and beneficial basis.
In this regard, positive feedback has been given to the activity of Intergovernmental Turkmen Azeri Commission for economic cooperation, which plays an important role in successful implementation of the agreements achieved on different levels.
The sides have stated with delight big and long work for strengthening of cooperation in fuel and energy sphere and consolidation of efforts of these big energy powers in realization of large-scale projects, which importance is reflected by signing of the current Memorandum of Understanding.
Having noted that signing of this important document marks the beginning of new phase in development of bilateral relations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed the confidence in further expansion of interstate dialog, having addressed the best wishes of happiness, peace and prosperity to Turkmen and Azeri people.
Further, the delegation of friendly country went to the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan where the signing of the above-mentioned Memorandum.
Heads of two states Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev took part in the ceremony in virtual format.
First, the floor was given to the President of Turkmenistan.
Having warmly greeted his colleague from Azerbaijan and expressed gratitude for participation in online meeting, the Head of Turkmenistan noted that it is a remarkable date in the context of further development of traditionally friendly and fraternal relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of Azerbaijan on joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources of Dostluk Field in the Caspian Sea is signed.
“This document is a result of big and long work aimed at strengthening of cooperation and understanding in energy sphere, opening of big potential of two large energy powers, establishment of the most favorable conditions for development of stable energy, wide and beneficial international partnership”, - the Leader of the Nation highlighted.
Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has reminded that opportunities of bilateral cooperation in energy sphere in Caspian Sea have been discussed in details and analyzed together with President Ilham Aliyev during official visit to Baku in March 2020,
The agreements on joint work at one of the biggest fields of hydrocarbon resources in Caspian Sea have been reached in the result of the visit. At the same time, it was highlighted that solidarity, mutual respect and support would the main principles of this activity.
Therefore, our common decision to name the field Dostluk was symbolical, the Head of Turkmenistan noted.
Turkmen leader said that signing of the Memorandum marks fundamentally new stage in energy cooperation of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in Caspian Sea.It opens new opportunities for joint work on solid international and legal base, gives additional serious stimulus for income of big foreign investments on systematic and long-term basis and will give strong impulse to the development and dynamic growth of national economies, opening of new work places, enhancement of level and quality of people’s life.
Taking the opportunity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to specialists and experts of two countries as well as to all who made contribution to development of this document.
It was noted in the speech that relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are developed dynamically and steadily.
We work successfully in international arena standing for strengthening of universal peace, stability and security. Our countries share the approaches to such fundamentally important subjects of global agenda as energy security, vision of configuration of international energy flows and the architecture of the world energy sphere in general, the Head of Turkmenistan said.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has outlined active and fruitful collaboration of two states under international organizations.Turkmenistan is thankful to Azerbaijan for invariable support of its international initiatives, co-authorship in number of draft resolution of the UN General Assembly proposed by our country.
In its turn, Turkmenistan conforms its willingness to support the proposals of Azerbaijan under international structures, the Head of the State said.
In this context, outstanding chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Non-alignment Movement, which proved high authority of the country and its government, has been noted.
During the Summit of the Non-alignment Movement in October 2019, Turkmenistan have stood for active participation of non-aligned states in the formation of the system of energy security, which is based on fair and transparent principles, equal access to energy sources and their delivery and accounting and recognition of the interests of producers, transporters and consumers of energy resources.
It was highlighted that cooperation in Caspian affairs is an important direction of Turkmen Azeri cooperation. Our countries make significant input in turning of Caspian Sea into the zone of solid peace, good neighborliness, understanding and effective partnership. As all Caspian countries say, the Caspian Sea is a sea of peace and good neighboring relations, Turkmen leader said.
It was noted that multilateral joint work has resulted in signing of the Convention on legal status of the Caspian Sea by the leaders of five coastal states, which provided the beginning of new phase of cooperation including in energy sphere.
During the first Caspian Economic Forum in Turkmenbashy in 2019, we have held substantial and efficient talks with the Government delegation of Azerbaijan and entered into number of important agreements, the Head of today, the State reminded.
Today, we rely on understanding of the necessity to strengthen bilateral relations, on coincidence of long-term interests in the main directions of Caspian cooperation, realization of those big perspectives opening in Caspian Sea for our and other coastal countries, neighboring regions and big international business, Turkmen leader concluded.
It was also mentioned that transport sphere is also a priority sphere of cooperation between two countries.
Together with Afghan, Georgian and Turkish partners, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan actively work on efficient operation of Lapis Lazuli transport corridor, which is to become an important continental route between Europe and Asia. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have also initiated the establishment of Caspian Black Sea transport communication.
- Together, we start big, important and promising project, the Head of the State highlighted.I am confident that joint work of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan at Dostluk Field will be successful and efficient.
I am sincerely thankful to you for support of this historical document, understanding and personal contribution to the development and strengthening of friendship, fraternity and cooperation between our nations and states, - Turkmen leader said.
Having congratulated on current remarkable event, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished strong health, new achievements in the government and political activity to President Ilham Aliyev as well as peace, wealth and prosperity to the people of Azerbaijan.
After, the floor was given to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Having greeted Turkmen leader and all participants of the ceremony, Head of the friendly state Ilham Aliyev also highlighted an exclusive importance of current event.
“I am confident that signing of this document would not be possible without close political collaboration between our countries on all levels, especially on the Presidential level”, - the Leader of Azerbaijan highlighted.
“I and esteemed Gurbanguly Myalikguliyevich has put all efforts for relative structures of our countries would be able to work in the spirit of cooperation, friendship, mutual support and understanding of mutual interests.
Therefore, I would call this document a historical document as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan start joint work for development of the field in the Caspian Sea for the first time, which would bring our countries and people together and would bring mutual benefit”, - President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued.
It was mentioned that bilateral relations have positive dynamics in the last years looking at the chronology of mutual visits on high level. There was five visits for the last three years and 50 documents have been signed.
“To compare, I’d just say that for the entire history of our relations, more than 100 documents have been signed, from which half was signed for the last three years. The most important thing is that they are all implemented, including the agreements, which we have reached on cooperation in energy sphere”, - the President of Azerbaijan highlighted.
The Leader of Azerbaijan highlighted that current signing of the document opens new page in development of hydrocarbon resources of Caspian Sea. This project will support strengthening of energy security of our countries and their neighbors.
Speaking of bilateral cooperation, the Head of Azerbaijan has said that he fully support President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov that both countries actively promote each other in international structures.
Taking the opportunity, President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated his colleague and fraternal Turkmen people on the anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan, which was observed last year, having reminded that Azerbaijan was a co-author of the Resolution of the UN General Assembly on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.
President Ilham Aliyev has expressed gratitude to the Head of Turkmen state for high appreciation of activity of Azerbaijan as a chairing country of the Non-alignment Movement and support of initiatives made under the chairing, in particular on the organization and conduct of the Non-alignment Movement, Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic speaking states, special session of the UN General Assembly on combating coronavirus.
Having supported the opinion of his Turkmen colleague on importance of cooperation in transport sphere, the Leader of Azerbaijan highlighted that it opens big perspectives for our countries and our neighbors.
“Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan seem to be synchronized in its project for establishment of transport infrastructure, especially modern international ports, which work in close cooperation and provide transit of cargo through our territories as well as increase the opportunities for cargo turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan”, - President Ilham Aliyev highlighted.
Having expressed confidence that transport and logistic cooperation between our countries would enter higher level in future, the Head of Azerbaijan noted that taking into account current situation in the region and opportunity to open new transport routes, it would male additional capabilities for all partners.
President Ilham Aliyev made special mention of personal merit of Head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in strengthening of transport and logistic infrastructure of Turkmenistan, having highlighted that it is impossible to reach a result in transit objectives without close cooperation with neighboring countries.
Current high level of transport and logistic infrastructure of two countries speaks of targeted activity of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in this sphere.
All of these makes big opportunities for all countries located in the region and beyond its borders, on Eurasian space because transport spheres are united the same way as energy sphere, the Leader of Azerbaijan said, having expressed the opinion that signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources at Dostluk Field in Caspian Sea is a noticeable event, which would have positive consequences.
Speaking of the regional partnership mentioned by the Head of Turkmenistan, President Ilham Aliyev has reminded that trilateral format cooperation exists between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Turkey and Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, which is aimed at specific result, making of more favorable conditions for business and realization of big infrastructural projects.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has also made special mention of steadfast development of Turkmenistan under wise leadership of head of the state Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov,
“You are confidently lead your country along the way of development, solution of important issues of social life, infrastructural projects, which are not limited by the borders of your state. I know about your investment policy in neighboring countries, without which realization of the Lapis Lazuli project would not be possible, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted.
It was noted that it was the result of wise policy of Turkmen leader in investment sphere, which turned out in construction of the railroad in neighboring Afghanistan, which provides delivery of cargo from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and farther.
These are the common approaches to cooperation with the countries of the region and solution of objectives, which are important for us and our neighbors, which make fundamentally new realities.
Supporting the words of Turkmen leader that Caspian Sea is a sea of good neighborliness and cooperation, President Ilham Aliyev noted that our independent energy states make another input to strengthening of cooperation in Caspian Sea.
Although Caspian Sea is the only border between our states, I am confident that it will unite our states and people in the future, the Leader of Azerbaijan highlighted.
Taking the opportunity, the President of Azerbaijan has wised prosperity, development, peace and wealth to fraternal people of Turkmenistan.
After the speech of the heads of two states, the signing ceremony of important document between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan has taken place.
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan R. Meredov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan D. Bayramov has put their signatures under the Memorandum.
After the signing ceremony, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed the participants of the ceremony with final words.
Having congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and all Azeri brothers on signing of historical documents, the head of Turkmenistan highlighted that this is a remarkable event in life of our countries and people, which is aimed at strengthening of peace and cooperation.
Turkmen leader has noted that expansion of bilateral partnership in political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres are discussed during regular meetings on high level.
Coming back to the signing of the Memorandum, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has focused that this document opens fundamentally new stage in the partnership between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in strategically important direction the energy sphere.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has made special mention of the contribution and mutual intent of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to establish atmosphere of peace, good neighborliness, understanding and cooperation in Caspian region.
It was stated that regular summits and other high-rank forums of Caspian states became possible in the result of high political and diplomatic activity of two countries in the recent decade.
Modern international regulatory framework meeting current and future requirements of coastal states, which determines the main parameters of multilateral cooperation in Caspian Sea in such spheres as security, economics and ecology, has been made.
“In general, I highly appreciate the condition of Turkmen Azeri relations and want to highlight its efficiency and positive dynamics of bilateral partnership”, - Turkmen leader said.
In the end, head of the State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has again congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on current historical event, having wished strong health, further success in versatile government activity and peace, happiness, wealth and prosperity to fraternal people of Azerbaijan.
After, the floor was given to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Having congratulated all on remarkable event, the Head of Azerbajan expressed confidence that current signing ceremony will have positive effect for further development of regional cooperation.
It was mentioned that cooperation of Caspian states is developed dynamically, in the spirit of understanding and mutual support, which resulted in the signing of the Convention on legal status of Caspian Sea.
“The Caspian states have demonstrated good and political will and after long discussion the Convention has been agreed.It opens new opportunities for the countries in development of energy resources as well as for joint activities in protection of Caspian Sea.
We have to put joint efforts and make everything possible to protect this unique sea, which brings so many benefits to our nations”, - the Leader of Azerbaijan said.
Today seeing the signing of the Memorandum, I thought that if our ancestors saw current ceremony, they would probably very glad.As people say “Olaryn ruhy shat”.They would be proud that both fraternal nations go together hand by hand, confidently support each other, cooperate for the future providing steadfast development of both countries for many years ahead, the Leader of Azerbaijan continued.
The Head of Azerbaijan has noted that current ceremony is a result of old efforts of two countries in strengthening of independence, sovereignty and its economic potential.Today, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in international arena are the countries, which can speak of their independent foreign and home policy with full rights.
Unfortunately, it does not happen often in the world today, President Ilham Alieyv highlighted.
“Our countries are the countries, which fully provide themselves. They do not depend on international credits, foreign investments and any other forms and types of external impact. They are the countries, which are fully committed to their national and moral traditions, this is the base, which moves us forward”, - the head of friendly state highlighted.
The stability leads to prosperity and wealth, investments and attention of big international companies by thus strengthening the role of the countries in world arena, the President of Azerbaijan said.
Speaking of the similarity of two countries in historical and cultural aspect, common roots, similarity of language and religion, President Ilham Aliyev has noted that all these positive things have been successfully transformed to efficient cooperation.
“Today, we sign not just a memorandum on joint exploration and development of hydrocarbon field in Caspian Sea but make an important step toward future successful development of our relations”, - the Head of Azerbaijan highlighted.
Having congratulated on this remarkable event, the leader of Azerbaijan wished strong health and success in all beginning to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and addressed his best wishes to fraternal Turkmen people.
President Ilham Aliyev has also noted huge efforts of Turkmen leader, under whose leadership projects of development an Durban construction of Ashgabat and other cities of Turkmenistan are implemented.
Visiting Ashgabat, we are happy like brothers that modern, beautiful and comfortable city has been made. This is a visual result of your long efforts for development of the country and dedication to its people, the leader of friendly state said.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has finished his speech with words, which are understood both in Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan: Ýaşasyn Azerbaýjan-Türkmenistan dostlygy!
After online ceremony, the heads of two states have said warm goodbye to each other, having addressed people of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan with sincere wishes of peace, goodness and prosperity.
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On the same day, the Foreign Ministry of the country hosted Turkmen Azeri foreign political consultations, under which current situation and future further development of traditionally friendly interstate relations have been discussed.
Expansion of beneficial cooperation in such strategic directions as trade and economic sphere, oil, gas, transport and communication complexes were among reviewed subjects.
In this context, the importance of agreements reached by Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Ilham Aliyev has been highlighted.
In particular, practical implementation of signed memorandum, which opened new phase in energy cooperation of both countries, have been highlighted.
Number of certain measures on use of capabilities of Afghanistan Turkmenistan Azerbaijan Georgia Turkey international transit and transport corridor (Lapis Lazuli) with entry to Europe, which is to support strengthening of trade and economic relations in wide geographic and economic space including the regions of Central and South Asia, Caspian and Black Sea basins and Mediterranean has been planned.
At the same time, the importance of further strengthening of traditional humanitarian dialog, stimulation of fruitful relations in the spheres of education, science and culture, sport and tourism, continuation of the practice of joint events supporting strengthening of Turkmen Azeri friendship has been noted.