Mehriban Aliyeva attended an International conference in Paris on the subject of “Azerbaijan: a strategic partner for Europe’s energy security”

An International conference was held on September 16 at the European Parliament’s Paris Office on the subject of “Azerbaijan: a strategic partner for Europe’s energy security”.

First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva attended the conference.

Thanking First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for attending the Conference, Mayor of the 7^th District of Paris, member of the European Parliament Rashida Dati emphasized the significance of the event. Noting that Azerbaijan was a strategic partner for France in a number of spheres, Rashida Dati stated that moving forward with confidence on the path of independence for 20 years, Azerbaijan has today a special role on a political scene. Rashida Dati noted that Azerbaijan, a country rich in oil and gas reserves, is a significant partner for European Union’s energy security. Mayor of the 7^th District of Paris stated that this conference too has been devoted to extending Azerbaijani-French economic cooperation. Rashida Dati talked of the exclusive contributions of President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva to deepening the relations between the two countries. First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the Conference.

Then French Transport Minister Thierry Mariani made a speech. Emphasizing the necessity for the European Union of continuing the cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, the Minister expressed gratitude for participation of the First Lady of Azerbaijan in the event. Noting his repeated visits to our country as a member of the French-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, the Minister mentioned his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his last visit. Having said: “Azerbaijan has been playing a significant role in the regional and international arena in terms of energy security. Azerbaijan is a reliable guarantor of Europe’s energy security”, French Transportation Minister Thierry Mariani said holding such a conference was a significant event. He said everyone knows Azerbaijan is rich in oil and gas resources. Noting that Azerbaijan was interested in transporting its oil and gas resources to world markets, the Minister mentioned that the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline plays an indispensible role in this matter. Emphasizing that after regaining state independence Azerbaijan modernized its industry and started to develop at a rapid pace, a French Minister brought to the attention of the Conference participants that since 2003 successful political and economic reforms had been carried out in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Then Azerbaijani Industry and Energy Minister Natig Aliyev made a speech. Noting the strong economic development in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister emphasized that our country had rich oil and gas reserves. Natig Aliyev talked of the achievements gained recent years in our country in the energy sector, and informed of the strategic projects joined by our country.

The event was attended by heads and representatives of leading energy companies of France and Europe.