Azernews.Az

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

Turkey and Azerbaijan achieved important successes in the economic field over a short period, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismail Alper Coshkun said.

He noted that the two countries managed to use their economic potential for the region's development by keeping the political stability.

"The economic projects realized by Turkey and Azerbaijan are directed to better both the welfare of their peoples and nations of the entire region," Coshkun said.

The diplomat noted that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline are among the significant projects implemented by Turkey and Azerbaijan. He added that the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) will, undoubtedly, play a leading role, too.

"TANAP and TAP (Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline) are important projects which ensures energy security in the world. Turkey and Azerbaijan are proud of that projects, but the other countries should also support it," Coshkun said.

The ambassador noted that the joint projects of Turkey and Azerbaijan also take into account the needs of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He said the two partner countries are planning to extend the Erzurum-Kars-Igdir gas pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway up to Nakhchivan. "The relevant talks are underway," Coshkun added.

Turkey and Azerbaijan own strong and universal relations in energy field. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan has become a leading investor in Turkey, building the $5 billion Star refinery on the Aegean coast. It owns Turkey's Petkim chemical company. Total investment in the two neighboring countries' joint oil and gas projects is forecasted to reach $45 billion by 2018.