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BAKU: Statement by PM of Turkey Erdogan

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  • BAKU: Statement by PM of Turkey Erdogan

    AzerTag, Azerbaijan
    June 30 2005

    STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER OF TURKEY RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN
    [June 30, 2005, 16:08:10]

    I express my deep gratitude to the esteemed President for this
    contentful statement. On behalf of myself and on behalf of the
    delegation, I also express gratitude for the hospitality we have been
    shown since yesterday night. During our private meeting as well as
    the one between the delegations, we have discussed Azerbaijan-Turkey
    relations in political, economic and cultural spheres. As to
    political one, in particular, the Turkey-Azerbaijan links, as well as
    the issues related to international cooperation were the focus of
    attention.

    As the esteemed President noted, our cooperation within international
    organizations is continued in line with the two friendly and
    brotherly countries~R interests - we are taking important steps. The
    cooperation in this area has always been considered the most
    important, and it, certainly, will be continued in that way. The
    words by the late President Heydar Aliyev ~SOne nation, two states~T
    are leading us to the future with confidence.

    We have also touched the issues concerning our policy towards Cyprus.
    The work will be continued in this direction. The esteemed President
    mentioned, much work would be done in Azerbaijan, as well. It gives
    us pleasure. This includes charter flights, and joint implementation
    of the great work in trade and economic fields. The steps to be taken
    in these areas are really gratifying.

    We are claiming once again we will continue to support Azerbaijan in
    both the Council of Europe and NATO. Our policy towards the
    Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the same as before. Turkey will never
    leave Azerbaijan alone as to its conflict with Armenia. In
    particular, our approach to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is fully in
    line with that of Azerbaijan. We have responded to all the proposals
    and demands we have had before in the same way.

    As you know, the Council of Europe~Rs decision to recognize Armenia as
    an aggressor was a result of special efforts by Turkey too. The
    aggressor must release the occupied lands. Fulfillment of this demand
    is very important. Turkey supports resolution of this problem through
    negotiations. However, this way is possible only after the occupied
    territories are released.

    One more issue relates to the trade and economic relations existing
    between us. As the esteemed President noted, as a matter fact, the
    two countries~R cooperation in this field is not on a due level. So,
    here advancement is needed. The most important is to bring the trade
    turnover to 1 billion dollars. The existing parameter is utterly low.
    I am sure the mutual steps to be taken by our businessmen will allow
    us to reach the goal.

    We are completing the construction of the energy corridor
    Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. Starting and ending points of this corridor are
    in two countries, which will be connected through Georgia. As for the
    Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum- gas pipeline, intensive steps are now being
    taken in this direction. Naturally, the pipeline is not just energy
    corridor, but indicates how important the stage we have entered is.
    It is of special importance for the future. We have common stance on
    this issue too, and we intend to take a plenty of joint steps.

    With God's help, the first tanker will be loaded with the Caspian oil
    on October 27 in Ceyhan. We are looking forward to that day. The
    esteemed President has already accepted our invitation. True, it is
    up to you. Of course, I have invited you just formally; there was no
    need for the invitation. On October 27, during loading of the first
    oil onto the tanker, we will be feeling the same excitement as we
    were in Baku while the first oil was pumped into the pipeline.

    We also need to achieve further strengthening and expanding of mutual
    cultural ties.

    We have made the following offer to the esteemed President. We want
    the Turkey-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce to be established. The
    esteemed President has very positively taken our offer. With God's
    help, the two countries~R businessmen, the Association of Turkish
    Chambers and Stocks, and the Association of Turkish Businessmen and
    Industrialists (TUSIAB) will come to an agreement to create the
    chamber. Just like the establishment of the joint intergovernmental
    economic commission, the founding of the similar structure for
    industrialists and businessmen will bring relations between our
    countries up to a higher level.

    ***

    Afterwards, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister
    of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to questions from
    journalists.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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