President Ilham Aliyev lauds support of UK for Azerbaijan's projetcs [PHOTO]

By Ofeliya Afandiyeva

President Ilham Aliyev also received a delegation led by the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson on February 27 who is in Baku to attend the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council.

Addressing the UK official, Aliyev said: “Your personal participation is very important. This demonstrates the UK Government's continued support for this important project. It also demonstrates the long-term partnership between our countries”.

Aliyev said that “TANAP reached to the Turkish-Greek border. This was an important milestone in the accomplishment of the Southern Gas Corridor. I think and I hope that when we meet again in February next year in Baku, we will inform you the completion of the project. I believe the completion of the construction will certainly not only be an important milestone, but it will open up new opportunities as well”.

In addition, the head of the state expressed his satisfaction about emerging collaboration of major companies in oil and gas sector with the small and medium-sized enterprises: “This is a priority for our government. Because we want to ensure sustainable development for Azerbaijan and the future of our economy considerably will depend on entrepreneurship, the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises and the continuation of reforms. Therefore, the oil and gas sector will be only the sector that will support our reforms with the necessary funds, and we will continue to invest these funds in human capital as well as support the private sector”.

In turn, Baroness Emma Nicholson stressed the importance of the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council.

During the meeting, it was noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and the UK are developing successfully in various fields, including the energy sector. The sides highlighted the role of BP in development of relations in this field and expressed confidence that the cooperation will continue to expand.

During the conversation, it was pointed out that the reforms in Azerbaijan provided new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

The sides exchanged views on the development of small and medium-sized businesses, alternative energy, innovation, education, health, culture and other areas.

Baroness Emma Nicholson presented President Ilham Aliyev with a keepsake sent by Wales national football team which will take part in the European Football Championship to be held in Baku this year.

Note that the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on February 28.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the meeting.

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