ground broken on the southern corridor 10 / 2014

Culture | Public Affairs
Business | Philanthropy
GROUND BROKEN ON THE SOUTHERN CORRIDOR
Also in this issue:
Enter the TEAS Photography Contest and see the European Games
Azerbaijan Through the Lens travels to the Council of Europe
TEAS events organised at all three party conferences
Belgium–Azerbaijan Business Forum outlines the opportunities
Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents to meet in Paris
www.teas.eu
10 / 2014
Please see inside for how to win £100 of Amazon vouchers
www.teas.eu
10 / 2014
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Welcome to the TEAS Magazine
The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European organisation dedicated
to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links
between that country and the nations of Europe.
As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the
875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are
unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh
and seven surrounding districts by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security
Council resolutions.
TEAS has three main facets to its operations:
•
Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide
audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre.
•
Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It
provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business
relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions.
•
Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinionformers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.
In pursuit of its objectives TEAS:
•
Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers
•
Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences
•
Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and produces films
•
Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.
Mailing List
TEAS is always bringing the latest news, views
and interviews from Azerbaijan. Sign up to our
mailing-list to receive the latest information
straight to your inbox: www.teas.eu
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The TEAS Facebook page is your chance to
learn about the latest news, events, campaigns
and other Azerbaijan-related items. Visit and
‘like’ our page at: http://bit.ly/TEASFB.
Membership and
Sponsorship
TEAS offers a range of corporate and
individual membership packages, providing
such benefits as advertising, trade missions,
networking, business sector advice and
hotel discounts.
TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship
opportunities throughout the year for its
events and conferences. To find out more,
e-mail: membership@teas.eu.
Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!
Firstly congratulations to Sahil Aliyev, an Azerbaijani expatriate living in South Africa, who won the competition in the September issue of the TEAS
Magazine. To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following 10 questions, the answers to which will be found
in this issue of this TEAS Magazine. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and
their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 7 November:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
On what date did the groundbreaking for the Southern Energy Corridor take place?
Which Labour MP organised Diversity Nite?
What is the title of the book by Dr Liam Fox that was recently launched in an Azerbaijani translation?
Which Azerbaijani award has been made to Dr Henry Kissinger?
What is the submission date for the TEAS Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus competition?
Which composition by Vagif Mustafazadeh was included in the programme by Sabina Rakcheyeva and the Deco Ensemble at the Liberal
Democrat conference?
In which year was the play You’re Always With Me by Ilyas Agandiyev first performed?
Where will the opening concert of the Buta Festival take place?
What is the predicted Azerbaijani GDP growth for 2014, according to the International Monetary Fund?
Which UK university will host a roundtable on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on 26 November?
Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming-events
27 October
CATBIG Azerbaijan Briefing (London)
British Expertise, 10 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0DH
12.00–14.00hrs. Admission Free. RSVP: http://bit.ly/catazer.
Organised by CATBIG and TEAS, this will provide an invaluable insight into the political, economic and commercial opportunities in Azerbaijan,
featuring two leading speakers with detailed knowledge of the country. The speakers will be Charles Hendry MP, Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, recently-appointed Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK.
5 November
TEAS Business Forum (London)
No.4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ
08.30–14.00hrs. Admission Free. RSVP via EventBrite: http://bit.ly/teasbusinessforum2014.
With the subheading of Economic Diversification is the Key, the event is timed to reflect the role of 2014 as the Year of Industry in Azerbaijan. It is
designed to act as a platform for developing business networks and to showcase the wealth of business and investment opportunities that exist in
Azerbaijan. Topics will include ICT, financial services, energy issues, infrastructure projects and the European Games 2015, and the roster of speakers
will include H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK; H.E. Irfan Siddiq OBE, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan; Lord Risby, ViceChairman, All-Party Parliamentary Group for East Asian Business; and Rufat Mammadov, President, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion
Foundation (AZPROMO).
10 / 2014
www.teas.eu
Politics and News
03
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
From the TEAS Director
This has been a busy time for TEAS.
In the UK, it has been party conference
season. As well as hosting a roundtable on
energy security for MPs and Prospective
Parliamentary Candidates at the Labour
Conference, we also sponsored Keith Vaz
MP’s famous Diversity Nite, attended by half
of the Shadow Cabinet. At the Tories, we
sponsored the ConHome reception, which
was addressed by Sajid Javid MP, Secretary
of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Rounding things off, Sabina Rakcheyeva
and her Deco Ensemble enthralled LibDem
delegates in a musical evening compered by
Lord Mike German.
In Brussels, TEAS organised the Business
Forum Belgium–Azerbaijan in conjunction
with
the
Wallonia
Export–Investment
Agency (AWEX), Flanders Investment and
Trade (FIT) and Brussels Invest and Export
(BIE). This was very well-attended, and will
hopefully now become an annual event.
In Strasbourg, I opened the Azerbaijan
Through the Lens photographic exhibition
in the Hemicycle of the Council of Europe.
Samad Seyidov, Head of the Azerbaijani
Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe (PACE) and recently
re-elected as PACE Vice-President, also
addressed the audience of MPs and staffers
from many of the 47 member states.
In
Azerbaijan
itself,
a
ceremony
commemorated the 20 th anniversary of
the Contract of the Century that triggered
Azerbaijan’s second oil and gas boom. Baku
also hosted the fourth Baku International
Humanitarian
Forum,
attended
by
representatives from over 60 countries,
aimed at intensifying collaboration in the
fields of science, education, culture and art.
Meanwhile, on the ‘contact line’, Azerbaijani
troops and the armed forces of Armenia –
illegally encamped on Azerbaijani territory
– continued to exchange mortar and sniper
fire. The Presidents of Azerbaijan and
Armenia are to imminently meet in Paris in
an attempt to take some of the heat out of
the exchanges, and to discuss a pathway
towards a long-term diplomatic solution.
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
www.teas.eu
On this significant occasion, heads of state, government and business representatives gathered to witness the laying of the
initial pipe on the Southern Corridor
Groundbreaking on the Southern Corridor
A ceremony has taken place in Baku to
mark the 20th anniversary of the Contract
of the Century – which provided the
catalyst for recent Azerbaijani development
– combined with the groundbreaking of the
Southern Gas Corridor.
Heads of state, government officials and
business executives gathered at the
Sangachal Terminal on 20 September for
the ceremony. The first pipe is emblazoned
with the flags of the countries through which
the gas corridor will pass, together with the
logos of BP and the State Oil Company of
the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR). The
officials and representatives also signed
the pipe and imprinted their hands in
concrete.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said:
“This is a very momentous and historic
day in the life of our country today – the
foundation of the Southern Gas Corridor is
being laid. Let me congratulate you and the
people of Azerbaijan on this occasion.
“20 September is a historic date for our
country for, 20 years ago, on 20 September
1994, the Contract of the Century was
signed. It was a historic event because the
young and independent Azerbaijan was not
a popular country at the time. Azerbaijan
was faced with enormous challenges.
The early years of our independence
were extremely difficult. The Armenian
occupation, the civil war, the economic and
political crises – all of these factors posed
huge problems and hampered development
of our country.
“The overall economic and political
development of our country began
precisely with the Contract of the Century.
So our oil strategy has been implemented
for 20 years. It has brought huge benefits
to our country. Over the years, Azerbaijan
has consistently expanded its capabilities.
Since that time, oil pipelines were laid to
link the Caspian Sea with the Black and
Mediterranean Seas for the first time.
This was followed in 1996 by the signing
of the agreement on the Shah Deniz gas
field, which is the source of funding for the
Southern Gas Corridor today. Shah Deniz
is one of the biggest gas fields in the world,
with reserves exceeding 1tn m 3 (tcm) of
gas.
“The selection of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline
(TAP) as the main export route was an
historic event in 2012. Gas sale agreements
were signed last year. In other words, all
the horizons are open and the road ahead
is clear. This project will bring additional
dividends for Azerbaijan. The economy will
grow even faster – during the past decade,
Azerbaijan has been the fastest-growing
economy on a global level. Over the past
decade, our Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) has more than tripled. According
to the recent estimates of the Davos
World Economic Forum, the Azerbaijani
economy is ranked 38th in the world for
competitiveness. It is a great achievement
for us, which shows that our economy is
developing in a diversified manner.
“There are no losers in this project. Every
party will benefit. Transit countries are
also consumers. Consumer countries will
achieve diversification of gas supplies.
This project will ensure the energy security
of Europe. It is no coincidence that the
document signed between the European
Commission and Azerbaijan three years
ago underlines the fact that Azerbaijan is
10 / 2014
04
Politics and News
playing a very important role in maintaining
the energy security of Europe. And from
this day on, this role will further increase.
The main source is the Shah Deniz gas
field. However, there are even more
gas reserves in Azerbaijan. Our proven
gas reserves amount to 2.5tcm, whilst
estimated reserves are projected at a level
of 4–5tcm. Caspian gas is the only new
source for Europe.”
In a video address, José Manuel Barroso,
President,
European
Commission,
commented: “The Southern Gas Corridor is
more than a pipeline. It will be a strategic
energy avenue for the 21st century with
truly geostrategic significance. Azerbaijan
currently makes an important contribution
to Europe’s oil imports. We are celebrating
the progress made regarding the Southern
Gas Corridor.” He added that the Corridor,
once completed, would stretch over
2000km along the Caucasus and across
Turkey – through Greece and Albania –
and across the Adriatic, to connect the
Caspian with the heart of the EU.”
Lord Livingston, UK Trade Minister,
recalled: “John Paul Getty once said that
the key to success was to rise early, work
late and strike oil. This can also be said of
the success of Azerbaijan – a country that,
President Aliyev signs the
inaugural pipe before it is laid
through hard work and energy resources,
is playing a vital role in the European and
world economy. The UK is proud to be
partnering in that success.
should not be underestimated. Both
during construction and on completion, the
Corridor will create immediate benefits for
all the countries along its route.”
“The development of the Shah Deniz field
and the construction of the Southern Gas
Corridor pipeline to Europe is something
that we all welcome and fully support.
Its construction will rank amongst the
largest and most challenging infrastructure
projects in the world. Its importance
Bob Dudley, Chief Executive, BP Group,
said: “This is a great day for Azerbaijan
and a great day for energy. What has been
achieved here since 1994 is extraordinary.
I want to pay tribute to President Aliyev,
his government and SOCAR. Together we
have shown what partnership can deliver.”
NEWS FROM BRUSSELS
e-mail: brussels@teas.eu
H.E. Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador and Head of the Mission of
More than 30 new Azerbaijani students and interns living in Brussels
the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO, stated: “Each year 30–35
attended the third annual informal networking cocktail at the
students come to NATO from our Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy
TEAS Belgium office. The event was organised by TEAS and the
(ADA). When they arrive from Azerbaijan, I discover they are openAssociation of Young Azerbaijani Professionals in Europe (AYAPE).
minded. You will all have the chance to become Ambassadors
one day. You have many more opportunities than my generation,
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, opened the event, saying: “Azerbaijan
thanks to such organisations as AYAPE and TEAS.”
is great country with a wonderful future, and this will be shaped by
the students and interns of today. TEAS is sponsoring the Prince
of Wales’ Mosaic charity in the UK, which is seeking to support the Franziska Schwelm, Policy Officer: Youth Participation, European
next generation of leaders from the Islamic world, and you are all
Youth Forum, said: “The Azerbaijan Youth Council is part of the
welcome to apply for these grants.”
European Youth Forum, a Brussels-based NGO. We operate an
initiative called the European Youth Capital, where we select a
H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Kingdom of
city that actively involves young people in societal and political
Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; and Head of the
life. In 2016 this will be Ganja – the first time a city in Azerbaijan,
Azerbaijani Mission to the EU, acknowledged: “Your generation
or outside the EU, has been selected. During my visit to Ganja,
will return to Azerbaijan as the managers of tomorrow. I am very
I was amazed by the enthusiasm amongst youth to come closer
proud that Azerbaijani students are studying in Belgium. It is
to the West.”
very important that you remain in touch with our Embassy and
supportive organisations, such as TEAS. You will return with a
global perspective. Azerbaijan currently plays on a regional level,
but will soon be more active globally.”
H.E. Arif Mammadov, Ambassador and Head of the Mission
of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) to the EU
commented: “It is a real pleasure to see such intelligent young
Azerbaijanis here today. Some of you have been interns in our
Mission, and I hope more will spend time with us. I am delighted
with this co-operation, as it helps Azerbaijanis understand the
work of European institutions. I am proud to be Azerbaijani and
to represent the Islamic world here in the EU. There is huge
potential for my country, and this will come from the young people
here today.”
10 / 2014
Ambassador Isgandarov addresses the attendees
www.teas.eu
Politics and News
05
EU energy security in the spotlight at Labour Conference
The role of Azerbaijan in ensuring the future
of EU energy security has been highlighted at
the annual Labour Party Conference during
a breakfast briefing at the Midland Hotel in
Manchester for Prospective Parliamentary
Candidates (PPCs), organised by TEAS.
The two senior politicians present, Tom
Greatrex, Shadow Energy Minister, and
Graham Stringer, Energy and Climate Change
Committee Member, were already wellversed in this vital and complex issue. PPCs
are contesting to become MPs at the general
election in May 2015, and it is important
that they are fully aware of the burgeoning
relevance of Azerbaijan to Western Europe.
Representatives from Shell and the GMB
Union also attended the briefing. The topics
covered included the emotive issues of shale
gas fracking, renewable energy, the role of
interconnectors, nuclear power and the
direction of EU policy.
Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager,
TEAS, explained the background to the
current pan-European energy crisis: “We
need to understand that nearly half of the
UK’s electricity is generated from natural
gas. UK production is falling rapidly, and
has decreased by 30 per cent during the
past three years. By 2020, we are going
to be importing about 70 per cent of the
UK’s needs. Already the National Grid is
predicting that there will be blackouts this
winter as the UK’s ageing power stations
provide insufficient electricity to meet
demand, and experience unscheduled
shutdowns. The Ukraine situation has
The debate was anchored by Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager, TEAS, seen here flanked by Graham Stringer
MP, Member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee and Tom Greatrex MP, Shadow Minister for Energy Security
placed the EU’s energy insecurity in the
spotlight. Russia provides about 30 per cent
of EU gas, and its policies demonstrate that
diversity of supply is essential. Even though
no Russian gas actually reaches the UK,
any hike in EU gas prices automatically
impacts energy prices in the UK.”
The meeting came at a pivotal time in the
UK–Azerbaijani relationship. In December
2013, former Foreign Secretary William
Hague visited the country to witness the
signing of a $45bn (£28bn) 2000-mile
gas pipeline deal between the Azerbaijani
government and the BP-led Shah Deniz
Consortium. This will see Azerbaijani
Caspian gas from the Shah Deniz II field
being piped to an interconnector in Italy,
making the proposed Southern Energy
Corridor into a reality. This has led former
Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair to recently
agree to become an advisor for the Shah
Deniz Consortium. Development of the
Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and TransAnatolian Pipeline (TANAP) will cross the
territory of seven countries.
Tom Greatrex MP, acknowledged the crisis
saying: “Energy security is a very important
subject. It is imperative that we have
sufficient gas supplies to respond quickly to
changes in demand. Unplanned shutdowns
of power stations will result in shortages,
and careful management of supply has to
be undertaken. There must be more focus
on the role of interconnectors and how they
can maintain supply levels. Any conflict zone
has energy implications, and the Ukraine
crisis demonstrates this. One of Labour’s
proposals is to launch an Energy Security
Board to organise an effective government
policy with a long-term strategy. Energy
security needs to be at the heart of our
energy policy in an unpredictable world.”
Over 500 celebrate diversity at the Labour Party Conference
On 22 September, more than 500 Labour supporters – including
13 members of the Shadow Cabinet – attended the 17th annual
Diversity Nite held alongside the Labour Party Conference in
Manchester, sponsored by TEAS. This colourful and energetic
event is the brainchild of Keith Vaz MP – the longest-serving
Labour MP from an Asian background – and celebrates the
multiculturalism of contemporary British society. Mr Vaz is
currently Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee in the UK
Parliament and was formerly Minister for Europe under the last
Labour Government. Other attendees included Ed Balls, Shadow
Chancellor of the Exchequer; Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home
Secretary; Harriet Harman, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party;
Chuka Umunna MP; the Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of
Manchester; and actors Shobna Gulati and Jimmi Harkishin, who
play the characters Sunita and Dev from the television soap opera
Coronation Street.
H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK,
commented: “Azerbaijan is known in its region as a land of
diversity. It is acknowledged as a country that is tolerant and
multiethnic. Tonight’s celebration of diversity is important – in
diversity, there is unity.”
Jan Gamachek, Speaker, Czech Parliament, said: “I have just
travelled from London from a meeting with the Rt. Hon. John
Bercow MP, my counterpart in the UK Parliament. Much of our
conversation concerned the diversity between our two Parliaments.
Understanding diversity can unite us and lead to co-operation.”
(from left) Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager, TEAS; Keith Vaz MP and Lionel Zetter,
Director, TEAS, at Diversity Nite
www.teas.eu
Attendees had the chance to experience top-quality Chinese and
Indian cuisine and a range of entertainment, including Indian
kathak, Turkish Oriental and Chinese Lion dances.
10 / 2014
06
Politics and News
Minister Sajid Javid speaks at joint ConHome/TEAS reception
More than 200 delegates at the 2014 Conservative Party Conference
in Birmingham attended a drinks reception jointly hosted by
Conservative Home (ConHome) and TEAS on 28 September. Held
at the Castle Fine Art Gallery in the International Conference Centre
(ICC), the event provided a rare opportunity for British connoisseurs
to sample Azerbaijani wine and brandy, which is renowned for its
quality across many countries in Eastern Europe.
is a friend to the West and one of the future guarantors of energy
security for the EU. The UK contributes over half of all Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) to Azerbaijan, chiefly through the operations
of BP and related companies, and it is my sincere hope that this
relationship will develop from strength to strength.”
The Guest of Honour was the Rt. Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of
State for Culture, Media and Sport, and former Minister for Equalities.
Since his election in 2010, he has received many accolades.
Considered by Jack Straw, former Foreign Secretary, to be one of
the best new MPs for over 30 years, the Daily Telegraph included
him in its list of the Top 100 Most Influential Figures from the Right.
Many commentators have tipped him as a potential frontrunner for
the future leadership of the Conservative Party.
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, commented: “It’s great to see so
many of you here tonight, drinking wine and brandy from Azerbaijan
– a very modern and moderate Muslim state in a troubled region.
TEAS is entirely apolitical and hosts events at all three main party
conferences. We have partnered with ConHome for several years,
and intend to continue organising receptions of this kind. Azerbaijan
Liam Fox book launched in Baku
TEAS has organised the Baku launch of the Azerbaijani translation
of the book Rising Tides: Facing the Challenges of a New Era, by
Dr Liam Fox MP, former UK Secretary of State for Defence, and
published by the TEAS Press. Tale Heydarov, Chairman, TEAS,
commented that Dr Fox had given an interesting perspective on
global events, and had suggested some alternative solutions. He
recalled that Dr Fox wrote in his introduction to the Azerbaijani
edition: “Azerbaijan – both in the past and today – is an example
for the world. The book provides deep political analysis, and the
results demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the author on the
subject.”
Dr Liam Fox meets Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
(left) The Rt. Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Lionel
Zetter, Director, TEAS
Mr Heydarov continued: “The translation of the book into
Azerbaijani will contribute towards the further strengthening of
relations between Azerbaijan and Europe. The book states that if
local and regional challenges are problematic to one or a group of
countries, then they are actually a problem throughout the world
and for all humanity. The world must come together to develop
solutions.”
Dr Liam Fox expressed his appreciation to TEAS for translating
and publishing the book. The author explained that the text
deals with financial crises, conflicts, and international terrorism.
In relation to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh, he said: “In my view, the solution to this conflict should
be established through diplomatic correspondence and within the
framework of international law.”
During his visit to Baku, Dr Fox went on to deliver a speech at
Khazar University. He said: “There is a serious conflict between
Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
should be resolved. Azerbaijan plays a key role in ensuring energy
security and providing a bulwark against Iran’s nuclear problem
and issues related to Russia. When Russia creates difficulties over
energy supply, for instance, Europe starts thinking about energy
diversification and refers to Azerbaijan, or NATO co-operates with
Azerbaijan in the Middle East, particularly over Afghanistan and
Iraq. Azerbaijan is an important partner for the West.”
Baku to host Euro 2020 Quarterfinals
Azerbaijan is continuing its remarkable development as a host of major international sporting events. With preparations well underway for
the first European Games next year and the Formula 1 Baku European Grand Prix in 2016, the country is now set to welcome the best
footballers in Europe. Alongside St. Petersburg, Munich and Rome, Baku will stage one of the quarterfinal games, together with three
group matches, during the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. The competition will mark the 60 th anniversary of the European Championships.
Lord Livingston comments on UK–Azerbaijani relations
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Lord Livingston, UK Minister for Trade and Investment. During the meeting, the sides
acknowledged the high level of Azerbaijani–UK bilateral relations and exchanged views on the prospects for further development of
co-operation. Emphasis was placed on the potential for mutual projects in the sectors of information and communications technologies
(ICT), agriculture, healthcare, education and infrastructural development.
10 / 2014
www.teas.eu
Politics and News
07
Landmark declaration
rounds off Humanitarian
Forum
The fourth Baku International Humanitarian
Forum has taken place, attended by
delegations of scientists and government
officials from 60 countries. The speakers
included Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev; Helen Clark, Administrator, UN
Development
Programme
(UNDP);
Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, DirectorGeneral, Islamic Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO); and
Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister.
The level of the speakers led Valentina
Matviyenko,
Chairperson,
Federation
Council of Russia (Russian Parliamentary
upper house) to comment: “It is informally
called the ‘Intellectual Davos’. This forum
is just as big, significant and important
as other economic international events,
especially in the current international
conditions.”
She
noted
the
forum
participants’ unanimous desire to intensify
co-operation in the fields of science,
education, culture and art and continued:
“It must be emphasised that humanism
The Humanitarian Forum was hosted in the Heydar Aliyev Centre and attended by representatives from over 60 nations (Photo:
UNDP Azerbaijan)
remains a basic value nowadays. This
is a desire to assert human dignity and
to fix moral values, both in everyday life
and politics.” Participants also visited the
regions of Nakhchivan, Lankaran, Guba
and Gabala, and the Baku International
Centre of Multiculturalism was inaugurated.
The subsequent declaration acknowledged
the significance of the event, and its
provisions recognised the impact of the UN
Millennium Declaration and the agenda for
the post-2015 period, aimed at eliminating
inequality in the world regarding regional,
economic, social and gender development;
the need for sustainability and effective,
scientifically-based
mobilisation;
the
requirement for effective responses to
the challenges of the 21st century; and
the need for humanitarian co-operation
between political, cultural and academic
elites,
international
organisations,
representatives of civil society and the
mass media.
Azerbaijan has an important story to tell the world
During a visit to Baku, Sir Peter Luff MP, former UK Minister for
Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, acknowledged
that Azerbaijan has a very important story to tell the world,
particularly in relation to multiculturalism, tolerance and
interfaith relations. He also stressed the importance of ensuring
that coverage of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains on the
news agenda.
Sir Tony Baldry MP commented: “I have been very impressed by
Azerbaijan’s development and what the country has achieved.”
He added that Azerbaijan is clearly a country that is seeking
to ensure oil and gas revenues are invested in schools and
education for future generations. Sir Tony said: “English has
become a language that many people want to learn and many
universities in Azerbaijan are teaching in English. We are
interested in what else can be done to enhance the relationship
between the educational system in Azerbaijan and education in
the UK, and how to build and develop these links.”
European Olympic President visits Baku
Patrick Hickey, President, European Olympic Committee (EOC) has visited Baku to view
the progress achieved by the Baku 2015 European Games Operations Committee. He
also attended a signing ceremony alongside Minister Azad Rahimov, Chief Executive
Officer, Baku 2015, when the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) was
announced as an Official Partner of the European Games.
Mr Hickey said: “To see the significant progress made in recent months by the Baku 2015
team was extremely encouraging, and it was a valuable opportunity to receive an extended
update on the developed and improved sports programme. I am more than confident that
Baku 2015 will fulfil our vision of being an innovative and sustainable first edition of the
European Games, which will set the standard for multi-sport events the world over.” The
European Olympics will run from 12–28 June 2015, and the website is www.baku2015.com.
Patrick Hickey, President, European Olympic Committee
(left) and Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, Baku 2015
European Games Operating Committee (BEGOC)
Ambassador and Trade Envoy outline the opportunities
TEAS is collaborating with CATBIG – a
business-to-business network for UKbased companies, focusing on the
countries of Central Asia and the TransCaucasus – to organise a free briefing
on 27 October at 1200hrs. The speakers
www.teas.eu
will be Charles Hendry MP, Prime
Ministerial Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan,
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and H.E.
Tahir
Taghizadeh,
recently-appointed
Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK.
The meeting will focus on the political,
economic and commercial opportunities
in Azerbaijan and will be hosted at British
Expertise, 10 Grosvenor Gardens, London,
SW1W 0DH. A complimentary buffet lunch
will be served. To reserve a place, go to
http://bit.ly/catbigaz.
10 / 2014
08
Culture
Nazrin performs in Baku, Brenchley and Hampton Court
The young violinist Nazrin Rashidova
has given three widely diverse concerts
in the space of a few weeks. The first of
these took place at the Sevda Ballroom
at the Hilton Hotel, Baku at an event to
commemorate the 20 th anniversary of the
signing of the Contract of the Century.
Performing alongside pianist John Paul
Ekins, the repertoire included works by
the Azerbaijani composers Gara Garayev,
Fikret Amirov and Tofig Guliyev, together
with popular pieces by Fritz Kreisler.
Nazrin then collaborated with two other
alumni from the Purcell School of Music –
Sarah Oliver (cello) and Daniel Grimwood
(piano) – for a chamber music concert
as part of the Brenchley Summer Proms
Festival in All Saints’ Church, Brenchley,
Kent. The repertoire included Beethoven’s
Sonata No 2 for Cello and Piano in G minor,
Adolf von Henselt’s Piano Trio in A minor,
Nazrin Rashidova performs some gems of Azerbaijani classical music during a concert to commemorate the twentieth anniversary
of the Contract of the Century
and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s Trio in D
Minor. Nazrin and Daniel also performed
some works for violin and piano by Moritz
Moszkowski, which will soon be recorded.
Finally, Nazrin performed J.S. Bach’s
sublime Solo Sonata No.2 in A Minor amidst
the medieval splendour of the Chapel Royal
Rain Sultanov,
leading
Azerbaijani
saxophonist,
plays a major role
in organising the
Baku International
Jazz Festival
at Hampton Court Palace to an audience
of music-lovers and visitors to one of the
UK’s most famous Royal Palaces. To find
out more on Nazrin’s forthcoming concert
and recording schedule, go to www.nazrin.
co.uk, and the second movement of the
work by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel may
be seen at http://bit.ly/fannymendelssohn.
International jazz musicians flock to Baku
The Baku International Jazz Festival will be held from 19–30 October,
sponsored by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This
year, the lineup comprises a formidable roster of internationallyacclaimed musicians, including the trumpet-led Terence Blanchard
Quintet, fusion pioneer guitarist and double-bassist Stanley Clarke,
the Israeli Anat Cohen Quartet, pianist and composer Michel Camilo
from the Dominican Republic, Trilok Gurtu from India, and bossa nova
specialist Bebel Gilberto from Brazil. Azerbaijani musicians will include
pianists Salman Gambarov and Elchin Shirinov, tenor saxophonist
Rain Sultanov and the Rast Jazz Group, which will celebrate its
twentieth anniversary. The festival venues will be the Heydar Aliyev
Palace, International Mugham Centre, Jazz Centre, Baku State Song
Theatre and Baku State Philharmonic Hall.
TEAS jazz reception attracts an appreciative LibDem audience
On 5 October, the spirited music of
Azerbaijani violinist Sabina Rakcheyeva
and the multinational Deco Ensemble
entranced around 200 extremely attentive
members of the party faithful attending this
year’s Liberal Democrat conference at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. Sabina
was the first Azerbaijani graduate from the
Juilliard School in New York and is the Arts
and Culture Advisor to TEAS. The talented
musicians performed a vibrant mix of
tangos and Azerbaijani compositions.
Lord German, UK Chair of the AngloAzerbaijani Society and a staunch music
aficionado, compered the evening. He
said: “I am so grateful for the opportunity
to have this music featured at the Liberal
Democrat conference. We are thankful to
TEAS for sponsoring this event. Tonight’s
concert is a labour of love for me – this
is fabulous music performed by excellent
musicians. When listening to Azerbaijani
jazz, it is possible to hear all the Western
10 / 2014
influences
mugham.”
combined
with
Azerbaijani
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, recalled:
“Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to
have opera, a university, and gave votes to
women before the US and the UK. It was
very progressive before being forcefully
annexed by the Soviet Union in 1920.
Mugham is the main form of traditional
music in Azerbaijan, which features a high
degree of improvisation, and has some
similarities to jazz. Tonight’s concert is an
excellent way of encapsulating the culture
of the country.”
The evening focused on the romantic
and rhythmic music of the Argentine
bandoneon player and composer Astor
Piazzolla (1921–92). After studying in
Paris, he developed a genre known as
nuevo tango, which combined the tango
music of his homeland with elements of
jazz and classical music. The programme
incorporated some of his most famous
works,
such
as
Oblivion,
Escualo
(Shark), and the rhythmic Libertango. It
also included one of his earliest works,
Triunfal, which was written after studying
composition in Paris with Nadia Boulanger
and paved the way for his future success.
The programme featured a plaintive
violin-led arrangement of March, by Vagif
Mustafazadeh, who played a major role in
developing jazz-mugham in Soviet-period
Azerbaijan in the 1960s. An evocative
arrangement by guitarist Rob Luft of the
melancholic Azerbaijani folksong Sari
Gelin (Blonde Bride) was also performed
to wide acclaim.
The Deco Ensemble comprises Bartosz
Glowacki (accordion), Rob Luft (guitar),
Sabina Rakcheyeva (violin), Ricardo
Gosalbo (piano), and Elena Marigomez
(double bass). For more information and
tour dates, visit www.decoensemble.com.
www.teas.eu
Culture
09
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, opens the exhibition at the
Council of Europe Hemicycle in Strasbourg
Stunning images bring Azerbaijan closer to the Council of Europe
To mark the inaugural Azerbaijani Chairmanship of the Committee
of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the soul of Azerbaijan was
brought to the heart of Europe on 30 September when members
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
from 47 countries, Council of Europe staff, Ambassadors and
diplomats based in Strasbourg attended the opening of the
Azerbaijan Through the Lens exhibition.
Organised by TEAS Belgium, this took place in front of the Council
of Europe Hemicycle. The exhibition was timed to coincide with
the PACE Session, thereby attracting maximum exposure for
Azerbaijan – a vibrant member of the European family of nations.
The exhibition showcased 100 photographs of contemporary
Azerbaijani people, culture, landscapes and architecture.
Previously presented in London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul
and Bratislava, these images were selected from submissions by
photographers based in Azerbaijan and across the world.
Samad Seyidov, Head of the Azerbaijani Delegation to PACE
and recently re-elected as PACE Vice-President, said: “This
is a vision of Azerbaijan taken by those who have visited the
country to see and understand it. On behalf of the Azerbaijani
delegation, I would like to express my gratitude to TEAS, as it
has done an excellent job in bringing these images to the Council
of Europe. We need this type of exhibition today, as serves to
promote understanding. The photos in this exhibition show the
real Azerbaijan and its values. As this has been organised during
the Azerbaijani Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the
exhibition makes a great contribution towards demonstrating our
common values.
“If those in the Council of Europe do not understand the culture
and are without an accurate vision of the country, it is impossible
to implement these values. I think this exhibition will bring both
Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe closer together.”
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS responded: “It is our pleasure to
bring the culture of Azerbaijan to the countries of Europe. We
think this exhibition encapsulates the beauty of Azerbaijan and the
friendliness of its people. It is a fantastic country on the fringes of
Europe, but it looks to Europe for guidance and support.
“The photographs were selected from 750 submissions received
for a TEAS-run competition. The judges were renowned royal
photographer Henry Dallal and Caroline Metcalfe, Photographic
Director, Condé Naste Traveller. The first prize went to Asim Talib
for his photograph of Old Men. This is a poignant monochrome
picture, taken 29 years ago, showing elders in Kelbajar, which is
now one of the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh that
has remained under illegal Armenian military occupation for over
20 years. It is very fitting that this photograph is displayed here.
One day, we hope that the photographer and all of us will be able
to return to that region, and that the internally displaced persons
(IDPs) will be able to return to their lands.” To see a selection of
the photos, please visit www.teas.eu/azerbaijan-through-the-lens.
C’est magnifique – Azerbaijani Village in the heart of Paris
An Azerbaijani Village has been hosted for 10 days at the Place
Saint-Sulpice in Paris, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,
with the participation of Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijani First Lady.
The village comprised various exhibitions focusing on Azerbaijani
history, culture and tourism, and Azerbaijani music and dance was
performed throughout its duration. Jean-Pierre Lecoq, Mayor, Sixth
arrondissement of Paris, acknowledged the role of the village in
capturing the spirit of Azerbaijan and its rich culture. He recalled
that numerous events had been organised by the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation in recent years.
Mrs Aliyeva underlined that Azerbaijan places great emphasis on
bilateral relations with France. She said that connections have
been created between NGOs and in the business sector, including
transportation, the space industry and viticulture. Azerbaijan is
currently the biggest trade partner of France in the South Caucasus,
and currently over 50 French companies are active in the country.
Jean-François Mancel, President, Azerbaijan–France Friendship
www.teas.eu
Group, French National Assembly, underlined that such events
enhance the cultivation of relations between the two nations. He
touched upon the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh, explaining that the Azerbaijani leadership was making
every effort to peacefully resolve the dispute.
All participants viewed the various pavilions in the Azerbaijani
Village and the exhibition Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – Pearls
of the Caucasus. Preparations for the inaugural European Games
in Baku were showcased in the tourism exhibition Travel to
Azerbaijan. The France Through the Eyes of Azerbaijani Artists
exhibition, comprising 50 paintings, was also on display, as was
an exhibition focusing on the poet Nizami Ganjavi. The event also
provided the chance to sample the best in Azerbaijani cuisine.
Performances during the fair included those by the jazz pianist
Isfar Sarabski, the Azerbaijani State Dance Ensemble, Natig
Rhythm Group, Azerbaijani State Folk Ensemble of National
Instruments and the Azerbaijani State Ensemble of Ancient
Musical Instruments.
10 / 2014
10
Culture
You’re Always With Me
performed at the Lost
Theatre
In celebration of the centenary of the birth
of the acclaimed Azerbaijani playwright
and author Ilyas Afandiyev, his 1963 play
You’re Always With Me has received its
inaugural European production at the Lost
Theatre in London in a new translation
by Sanan Aliyev. The Azerbaijani Ministry
of Culture and Tourism sponsored the
two-week run of this ALOFF Theatre
production, for which the director was Filiz
Ozcan.
The play had an intriguing and controversial
premise, focusing on the relationship
between a lonely widower factory owner,
named Hesenzadeh (Doug Devaney) and
Nargile (Stephanie Harte), a teenage girl
that has effectively been thrown out of
her home by her stepfather. In addition
to being a poignant and affecting drama,
A close, inter-generational friendship is forged between Nargile (Stephanie Harte) and Hesenzadeh (Doug Devaney)
the play was a thinly-veiled critique of
the Soviet regime, with the overbearing
stepfather representing the Soviet Union
and its lack of respect for the individual,
Nazaket (mother of Nargile) as Azerbaijan,
which has been bullied into submission,
and Nargile as a dissident who is trying to
develop a relationship with Hasanzadeh,
who represents the western world.
The performances were convincing and
the minimalist set helped the audience
empathise with the story on a human
level, regardless of their knowledge of
Azerbaijan. Reviewer Terry Eastham
commented: “Ultimately the success of
this show comes down to the writing and
performing, neither of which could be
faulted. Forget everything you think you
know about Soviet-era writers, go see the
real thing and be as amazed as I was.” To
find out more, go to www.alofftheatre.org.
TEAS photography competition – more time to win
TEAS – in collaboration with Baku 2015 – has extended the deadline to enter the Azerbaijan
– Sport in Focus competition for amateur and professional photographers. The competition
focuses on the meaning of the inaugural European Games, to be hosted in Baku from 12–28
June 2015. Prizes include trips to Baku, Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul, London or Paris, iPads
and tickets to the Games themselves. The judges are the world-renowned photographers Ed
Kashi, Philipp Rathmer and Agdes Baghirzade. The revised deadline is 24 November – to find
out more details, and for Terms and Conditions, go to www.teas.eu/azerbaijan-sport-in-focus.
Buta Festival brings Azerbaijani music to the Albert Hall
The prestigious Royal Albert Hall in
London will welcome an impressive array
of performers from Azerbaijan for a Gala
Concert to launch a five-month celebration
of Azerbaijani arts and culture. The opening
night on 4 November will include mugham
performed by brothers Arslan and Nurlan
Novrasli, contemporary jazz from Isfar
Sarabski, Winner of the Montreux Solo
Jazz Piano Prize in 2009, and an emotional
setting of the Ave Maria by Farhad
Badalbeyli, blending Latin and Azerbaijani
texts. Performers will include popular
soprano Joan Rodgers CBE; tenor Jeffrey
Lloyd-Roberts; virtuoso violinist Shlomo
Mintz; and the Royal Philharmonic Concert
Orchestra. Azerbaijani pianist Murad
Huseynov and Turkish soprano Burçin
Savigne will also perform. TEAS’ friends
are eligible for a 25 per cent discount on
all tickets. Cite offer code 17915 when
booking at bit.ly/rahbuta.
Gyunel SS15 collection launches in London
Mother and daughter modelling dynasty
Yasmin and Amber Le Bon have taken to
the catwalk to showcase the new SS15
collection by Baku-born, London-based
designer Gyunel Rustamova as part of
London Fashion Week. The collection was
showcased at the prestigious Bloomsbury
Ballroom, and the clothes worn by the roster
of models aimed to convey an itinerant and
independent woman.
Yasmin Le Bon leads the catwalk at the launch of the SS15
collection (Photo: Becky Maynes)
10 / 2014
The collection told the story of a nomadic
traveller traversing the desert, with shirt
dresses, relaxed blouses and flowing
maxidresses
being
emblazoned
with
scorpions, a symbol inspired by the Zodiac
sign of Gyunel. The hairstyle of the models
was braided to represent a scorpion.
Gowns in midnight blue, maroon and beige
were juxtaposed with sculpted separates,
whilst layers of crochet and leather gave the
collection a tough aesthetic. Leather trousers
and soft leather jackets in titian orange and
brittle green were given an artistic edge,
whilst the models were adorned with chunky
gold and silver jewellery.
Gyunel commented: “I like to think of the
Gyunel woman as a nomadic traveller with a
strong, adventurous attitude. I was inspired
by the idea of journeys through places
steeped in culture and the creatures that
inhabit them.” To see the full collection, go
to: www.gyunel.com.
www.teas.eu
Business News
11
Focusing on the many varied aspects of the non-oil sector,
the forum attracted around 200 delegates
Azerbaijan’s business opportunities highlighted in the heart of Europe
The first Business Forum Brussels–
Azerbaijan took place at the offices of
the Wallonia Export–Investment Agency
(AWEX) in Brussels on 25 September.
Organised by TEAS Belgium, this event
focused on the non-oil sector. This
reflected the official designation of 2014
as the Year of Industry in Azerbaijan, as
the country strives to develop its export
markets, diversify the economy, and
accede to the World Trade Organisation.
In addition to AWEX, the partners were
Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) and
Brussels Invest and Export (BIE).
The event, attended by around 200
delegates, was organised to inform
representatives of Belgian companies
of the opportunities Azerbaijan has to
offer in the construction, agricultural and
environmental sectors. Lionel Zetter,
Director, TEAS explained: “Azerbaijan is a
thriving country, in terms of its economy,
engagement with the west and stability.
All visitors will be aware that it is a very
relaxed and free place to do business. It
is one of the most western countries in the
EU Eastern Partnership. Azerbaijan is a
great place to visit, to live and do business
in.”
Johan Van Dessel, Director-General,
Bilateral and Economic Affairs: External
Trade and Development Co-operation,
Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
commented: “Bilateral relations between
Belgium and Azerbaijan are good, but there
is always room for improvement. Belgium –
an EU member – is pleased to work with
Azerbaijan within the framework of the EU
Eastern Partnership. It recognises that
there is sustainable political stability on all
levels of society, and this is key to a longterm relationship. Azerbaijan currently
holds the Presidency of the Committee
of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
They will be succeeded by Belgium in
www.teas.eu
November, and we very much look forward
to continuing the valued work of the
Azerbaijani Presidency.”
H.E. Fuad Isgandarov, Ambassador of the
Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom
of Belgium and Head of the Azerbaijani
mission to the EU, acknowledged: “I
have just returned from Baku, where
I participated in the groundbreaking
ceremony for the Southern Corridor,
which will bring Azerbaijani Caspian gas
to Europe by 2019. This is a huge $45bn
(£28bn) project, and Azerbaijan decided
to face towards Europe. Shareholders
now include the Belgian company Fluxys.
We need the technologies and scientific
approaches from the West to develop
our country. That is why hundreds of
students are sent overseas each year on
Presidential scholarships – they will be the
new generation of managers. Welcome
to Azerbaijan – you are very welcome to
participate in the future of my country.”
Rovshan
Najaf,
Executive
Director,
Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC)
said: “Azerbaijan has been one of the
fastest growing economies in the world
over the past few years, and is the largest
economy of the South Caucasus. The
non-oil sector has been the catalyst for
economic growth over the past five years,
and we have a clear strategy to develop
this sector.
“We want Azerbaijan to be transformed
into a knowledge-based economy. There
is a very liberal investment climate and
we have signed 46 bilateral investment
treaties and 45 double taxation treaties,
and 65 per cent of foreign investment is in
the non-oil sector. I hope the next business
forum in Brussels will feature joint ventures
between the AIC and Belgian companies.”
Azerbaijan
has
nine
climatic
zones,
and produces a great range of fruit and
vegetables. These are currently exported
to such neighbouring countries as Turkey,
Russia and Georgia. Rashad Majidov,
Director,
International
Co-operation
Department,
Azerbaijani
Ministry
of
Agriculture,
commented:
“Agriculture
employs 40 per cent of the working
population, and is the second greatest
export after hydrocarbons. It is the driver
of the non-oil sector, but only accounts for
5.1 per cent of GDP. It is almost entirely
in private hands. We have achieved an
annual level of 5 per cent growth over the
past decade. The government is giving
tax exemptions to encourage agricultural
production and investment in new crop
types, fertiliser and equipment. There
are great opportunities to apply Belgian
expertise to production.”
Ogtay Mammadov, Head of Public
Relations Department, Absheron Lakes
Rehabilitation Programme, Tamiz Shahar
Company explained: “We are spending
over half a billion Euros on remediating
nine lakes, which have been contaminated
by decades of uncontrolled Soviet-era oil
extraction. We are hoping one lake will be
remediated as a resort in readiness for
the European Olympics in 2015. There are
great opportunities for Belgian companies
to be involved in restoring these lakes.”
Leon Cook, Marketing and Communications
Director, TEAS, summed up: “Azerbaijan is
a country that is open for business. Fitch
and Standard and Poor’s rate Azerbaijan
as a Tier 2 country – the economy is very
strong and moving in the right direction. It
takes two days to establish a company in
Azerbaijan – which is an excellent statistic.
High-level delegations need to go to the
Azerbaijani regions and do business
there. Azerbaijan looks towards and seeks
engagement with Belgium and across the
EU.”
10 / 2014
12
Business News
Ecclestone unveils layout for Baku European Grand Prix
Bernie Ecclestone, Head, Forumula 1 and Azad Rahimov,
Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport, have unveiled the layout
of the exciting new Hermann Tilke-designed Baku European
Grand Prix street circuit during a special press event in Baku. Mr
Ecclestone commented: “Azerbaijan is the latest addition to the
Formula 1 calendar, and I am pleased to see they have designed
an innovative new street circuit that will definitely help create
a world-class event when we race there in 2016.” Mr Rahimov
explained: “We have been working very closely with Hermann
Tilke and his team on the circuit layout since early 2013. Our
brief to Tilke Engineering was simple – create a circuit that is
unique, one that will help the Grand Prix in Baku quickly establish
itself amongst the most exciting, thrilling venues on the Formula 1
calendar, and design a track that fans and teams alike are excited
about. Most importantly, we wanted a circuit that would showcase
the best of Baku, our capital city, and I am delighted that this will
achieve its objective.
“We have been able to incorporate some unique features that will
provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing. For example,
there will be an extremely narrow uphill section at the wall of the
Old City that will reward pinpoint accuracy and courage, and we
have an acceleration section of almost 2.2km along Baku Bulvar
which will see the cars running flat out at top speeds – something
(from left) Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport; Bernie Ecclestone,
Head, Formula 1; Anar Alakbarov, President of Azerbaijan Automobile Federation; and
Hermann Tilke, Chief Executive, Tilke Engineering
that will create an incredible spectacle for the race fans on track
and viewers at home.” There are eight right-hand and 12 left-hand
turns on the track, which circles the historical centre of Baku.
BakuTel celebrates 20 years of innovation
The twentieth BakuTel Exhibition of
Telecommunications
and
Information
Technologies will run from 2–5 December at
the Baku Expo Exhibition and Convention
Centre. For 20 years, it has gathered
the leading players in the Azerbaijani
telecommunications market together on
one platform, being the main opportunity
to demonstrate IT products and services.
This has facilitated the development
of many new contacts. The Azerbaijani
Ministry of Communications and High
Technologies has played a special role in
the development and establishment of the
event, for which the organisers are Iteca
Caspian LLC and their partners ITE Group
plc from the UK.
GDP 2014 growth – 4.5
Fluxys ups its TAP stake and Enagás becomes a
per cent
new partner
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
predicted that Azerbaijani Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) will grow by 4.5 per cent in
2014 and 4.3 per cent in 2015. Inflation will
amount to 2.8 and 3 per cent, respectively.
The forecasts were published in the World
Economic Outlook report published on the
IMF website on 8 October. Visit http://bit.ly/
imfazerbaijan to view all the Azerbaijani data.
Belgian Fluxys and Spanish Enagás have acquired the stakes of Total (10 per cent)
and E.ON (9 per cent) in the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The move will see Fluxys
increase its stake from 16 to 19 per cent, whilst Enagás becomes a new partner in TAP,
with a 16 per cent stake. Under the new arrangement, the new TAP shareholding will
comprise BP (20 per cent), SOCAR (20 per cent), Statoil (20 per cent), Fluxys (19 per
cent), Enagás (16 per cent) and Axpo (5 per cent). Running for approximately 870km,
the pipeline will connect with the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the TurkishGreek border at Kipoi, traversing Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before
coming ashore in Southern Italy.
10 / 2014
More than 100 companies have already
confirmed their attendance this year. These
include leading ICT companies and mobile
network operators, telecommunications
operators, internet providers, systems
integrators and distributors, and several
countries will organise national stands.
The exhibition will continue the tradition
of giving young specialists the opportunity
to
speak
about
their
innovations,
programmes and services. Much attention
at this exhibition will be paid to supporting
startup companies, with special stands
at the exhibition being made available so
they can showcase their developments.
BakuTel 2014 will also comprise an
interesting business programme, including
a conference, seminars, roundtables,
business and internet forums and many
other events. There will also be the
opportunity to experience a gaming zone,
featuring the latest gaming technologies.
A programme of additional events will
also be organised to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the exhibition. To find out
more, visit www.bakutel.az.
www.teas.eu
Business News
13
Baku and London praise
co-operation
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and H.E.
Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador
to the UK, have met a British delegation
headed by Lord Risby, Prime Ministerial
Trade Envoy. They subsequently met
Ogtay
Asadov,
Speaker,
Azerbaijani
Parliament, and Elmar Mammadyarov,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, to discuss
bilateral issues, regional and global
matters. The sides stressed the importance
of regional projects initiated by and
involving Azerbaijan, particularly citing the
significance of the recent Southern Gas
Corridor groundbreaking ceremony.
Lord Risby went on to speak at a forum
on
Azerbaijani–UK
co-operation
to
commemorate the twentieth anniversary
of the Contract of the Century. He said:
“Relations between Azerbaijan and the
UK are at a high level, will continue in
the future.” He recognised that Baku is
playing an increasingly important role in
the European family of nations, and that
it would host the Baku 2015 European
Olympics Games and Baku European Grand
Prix in 2016. Lord Risby acknowledged:
“Azerbaijan is an active partner in ensuring
EU energy security and has received a
The UK delegation, headed by Lord Risby, meets Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani
Ambassador to the UK
great deal of economic investment. London
and Baku have changed a great deal over
the past two decades, and Azerbaijani
businesspeople invest in London, as do
British businesspeople in Baku.”
Rafiga
Huseynzade,
Vice-President:
Ecology, State Oil Company of the
Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) stressed
the importance of the forum in terms of
deepening
Azerbaijani–UK
relations,
particularly regarding co-operation in the
energy field. Speaking about the 20-year
history of the SOCAR–BP relationship, she
emphasised the importance of the jointlycreated oil and gas export pipeline system,
highlighting that Azerbaijan exports oil
and oil products to more than 30 countries
and plays an important role in supplying
natural gas to Georgia and Turkey. She
commented that the Southern Gas Corridor
would play an integral role in ensuring
European energy security. Forum attendees
also heard speeches from Ambassador
Taghizadeh; Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijani
MP and Huseyn Mammadov, Vice-President
for Communications, External Affairs and
Security, BP Azerbaijan, amongst others.
Fitch rates outlook as ‘stable’ and makes recommendations
The Fitch international ratings agency has
affirmed the Azerbaijani long-term foreign
and local currency issuer default ratings
(IDR) at ‘BBB–’ with a stable outlook. The
issue ratings on senior unsecured foreign and
local currency bonds have also been affirmed
at ‘BBB–’, as has the country ceiling. The
short-term foreign currency IDR is ‘F3’. Fitch
said that the Azerbaijani sovereign balance
sheet ranks amongst the strongest of any
rated sovereign and underpins the rating.
The assets of the State Oil Fund of the
Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ) reached
$37.6bn (£23.4bn) during the first half of
2014. With the addition of $15bn (£9.3bn)
in foreign exchange reserves from the
Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), the
sovereign gross external assets equate to
69 per cent of GDP.
Fitch also anticipates a further modest
growth in sovereign assets as the current
account registers diminishing surpluses
during 2014–16. This should provide a
buffer against oil price or production shocks
and support the peg of the AZN against
the US$ at AZN0.78 (£0.62). Fitch said:
“SOFAZ transferred AZN4.9bn (£3.9bn) to
the state budget in the first half of 2014,
or 52 per cent of total revenue. The longterm aim is to reduce budget dependence
on the SOFAZ transfer, and thus oil prices.
The success of this strategy will crucially
depend on the ability to develop a strong,
sustainable non-oil economy.”
The agency predicts that non-oil sector
growth will be the driver of economic
activity, with the growth in hydrocarbons
output stagnating, as existing oilfields age
and large ongoing gas projects undergo
construction. In the medium-term, the
government will pursue the dual aims
of developing large gas reserves whilst
continuing to diversify the economy.
Fitch recommended implementation of the
following policies to positively impact the
Azerbaijani rating:
•
steps
to
correct
the
gradual
deterioration
of
the Azerbaijani
budgetary
position
since
2010,
thereby increasing Fitch’s confidence
in the longer-term sustainability of the
Azerbaijani sovereign balance sheet
strength
•
a credible strategy for sustainable
economic diversification, supported
by reforms to improve governance
and transparency.
New airport to be constructed Contactless smartphone payments from 2015
Jahangir Gojayev, Head of the International Relations
and Information Department of the State Committee for
Urban Planning and Architecture, has revealed that a
new airport is to be constructed in the Alat settlement
to increase the efficiency of passenger and cargo
transportation. There are currently six international
airports in Azerbaijan – Heydar Aliyev International
Airport in Baku and in Nakhchivan, Ganja, Lankaran,
Zagatala and Gabala.
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Andrey
Scherbina,
Innovations
Manager for CIS and South-Eastern
Europe,
Visa
International,
has
revealed that payment systems using
near field communications (NFC)
will be launched in Azerbaijan during
2015. He said: “NFC is the second
evolutionary stage of Visa payWave
contactless technology. It was rather
premature to launch this until cards
and
outlets
accept
contactless
payments. This year, we have
focused on sales of the Visa payWave
product, providing the infrastructure
for acceptance of such contactless
cards in Azerbaijan, and have granted
permission for several companies to
issue these cards.”
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14
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Armenia – obstructive to PACE
Samad Seyidov,
Head of the
Azerbaijani
Delegation to
PACE and PACE
Vice-President
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
in Strasbourg has organised a special debate highlighting the
reluctance of the Armenian delegation to co-operate with Samad
Seyidov, Head of the Azerbaijani Delegation to PACE and PACE
Vice-President and designated rapporteur on Nagorno-Karabakh
and the other occupied territories. Mr Seyidov was appointed by
the PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy.
During the meeting, many PACE members acknowledged that
the Armenian delegation had flouted the rules of the Council of
Europe. Mr Seyidov revealed that PACE would elaborate on this
issue during the January session. He said: “PACE has issued a
strict warning against the Armenian delegation, which attempted
provocation against Azerbaijan during the PACE autumn session.”
According to Mr Seyidov, the Armenian delegation began to disrupt
the meeting following his appointment and the announcement of
the PACE report entitled Increase of tension in Nagorno-Karabakh
and the other occupied territories of Azerbaijan. He explained:
“They tried to stop the issue from being included in the agenda.
Firstly, they began to talk endlessly, failing to follow the programme.
The chairman of the meeting verbally reprimanded them, but that
this was ignored. Following this, the meeting management turned
off their microphones and the simultaneous translation of their
speeches was stopped. The Armenian delegation then stood up,
and began to protest. Following this, the decision was made to
exclude the Armenian delegation from the meeting and to discuss
the agenda without their participation.”
Mr Seyidov explained that a warning was subsequently issued
against the Armenian delegation and that “it was noted that if the
Armenian delegation repeated such behaviour, sanctions against
them could be considered.”
Hasan Hasanov buried in Baku
The body of 36-year-old Hasan Hasanov, killed by Armenian forces in the occupied region of Kalbajar on 11 July, was finally laid to rest in
Baku on 2 October, according to the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons. The repatriation
was organised by the State Commission and Azerbaijani Defence Ministry under the mediation of the International Committee of the Red
Cross (ICRC).
Despite numerous calls by Azerbaijan for negotiation regarding the exchange of the body and the release of the hostages Shahbaz Guliyev
(aged 46) and Dilgam Asgarov (aged 54) – taken captive the same day – the Armenian side has remained uncooperative. All had entered
the occupied territories to visit the graves of their relatives. In several recent cases, Azerbaijan has subsequently arranged the transference
of Armenian citizens, who illegally crossed the ‘contact line’ between Azerbaijan and the occupied territories, to Armenia or a third country.
Birmingham University to host Nagorno-Karabakh roundtable
A landmark conference entitled The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: The
Uses and Misuses of History will take place in Room 121, Muirhead
Tower, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT
on 26 November from 16.00–18.00hrs. The debate is organised by
the University of Birmingham Research Group on the Caucasus, in
collaboration with the Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian
Studies (CREES) and the Department of Political Science and
International Studies (POLSIS) at the College of Social Sciences at
the University of Birmingham.
The roster of speakers will comprise Ambassador Jacques Fauré,
former French Co-Chair, OSCE Minsk Group; Laurence Broers,
Research Associate, Centre of Contemporary Central Asia and
the Caucasus, School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS),
London; Joanne Laycock, Senior Lecturer in History, Sheffield
Hallam University; and Kamala Imranli-Lowe, Research Fellow,
CREES/POLSIS, University of Birmingham. Admission is free, but
please register with Dr Galina Yemelianova on g.yemelianova@
bham.ac.uk.
German journalist calls for sanctions on Armenia
Speaking in Baku, Richard Kiessler, renowned German editor and
journalist and Chairman of the German–Azerbaijani Forum has
called for Armenia to come under pressure from sanctions for illegally
occupying Azerbaijani lands. He reiterated that the ArmenianAzerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh should not be regarded
as ‘frozen’, as servicemen continue to be killed.
Mr Kiessler commented: “I think the international community must
do more to address this very dangerous conflict. It is necessary to
make new efforts to resolve the issue.” He said that the OSCE Minsk
Group must intensify efforts towards achieving settlement of the
long-lasting conflict, and that Germany should play a greater role in
assisting Azerbaijan in its objectives.
French magazine publishes Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict article
An extensive article on the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh has been published in the bi-monthly French
magazine Diplomatie, written by the Centre for Analysis and
Forecasting of International Risk, an Azerbaijani NGO. The journal has
a circulation of 20,000 copies and is distributed in over 40 countries.
The article provides detailed information on the estimated 875,000
refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are the
ongoing victims of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-
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Karabakh. It explains that four UN Security Council resolutions,
passed against the Armenian invasion, remain unimplemented, as
do resolutions from the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe and other
international organisations. The article includes photographs of
the Khojaly Massacre, and uses maps to illustrate which areas
remain under occupation. It also provides information about the
new settlements across Azerbaijan that have been completed and
are under construction by the Azerbaijani State Committee on
Refugees and IDPs.
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Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Sargsyan and Aliyev to meet in Paris
15
French
President
François
Hollande,
seen during
his recent
visit to Baku,
will broker
the meeting
in Paris
between the
Azerbaijani
and Armenian
Presidents
The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, tasked with establishing
a negotiated resolution to the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh – Ambassador Igor Popov, Russian Federation;
James Warlick, USA; and Pierre Andrieu France – met Edward
Nalbandian, Armenian Foreign Minister and Elmar Mammadyarov,
his Azerbaijani counterpart, at the UN General Assembly. The CoChairs were joined by Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal
Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
During this joint meeting, the Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers
discussed preparations for the forthcoming summit in Paris on 27
October between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan, brokered by French President François
Hollande. The Co-Chairs expressed their hope that the Presidents
would hold productive discussions regarding the establishment of a
lasting settlement. Ambassador Andrieu briefed the participants on
issues that could be included on the summit agenda, and the Co-
Chairs stated that they would visit the occupied territories from 14–18
October.
Three Azerbaijani servicemen
UK MP named as rapporteur on the
killed on the ‘contact line’
occupied territories
Armenian snipers have claimed the lives of three young
servicemen. The first of these, 19-year old Keramet Shabiyev,
was shot at 14.30hrs on 23 September. The second was killed six
days later and was named as 23-year-old Lieutenant Bakhishli
Abulfaz. Most recently, 24-year-old Tural Akhmed lost his life in a
shootout with Armenian forces on 9 October.
Robert Walter, UK MP and previously Head of the UK Delegation to
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has
been appointed to prepare a report on the situation in NagornoKarabakh and the other occupied territories, which have remained
under Armenian occupation for over two decades.
The Co-Chairs also met Didier Burkhalter, OSCE Chairperson-inOffice, to discuss the latest developments in the peace process. He
was provided with a transcription of the Presidents’ recent meetings
in Sochi, Russia and Newport, Wales, and information on the
preparations for the Paris summit.
NATO supports OSCE Minsk Group format
William Lahue, Liaison Officer to the Caucasus, NATO, has stressed his support for the OSCE Minsk Group format and peaceful
settlement of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. He said: “The OSCE Minsk Group is the sole format and the
only existing proposal aimed at settlement of the conflict. So, NATO looks toward the OSCE Minsk Group to continue its work.”
Cekuta to play integral role in future peace
Speaking during a hearing in the US
Senate, Robert Cekuta, US Ambassadorial
Candidate for Azerbaijan, commented: “The
US and Azerbaijan stand only to gain from a
stable, democratic, peaceful and prosperous
Azerbaijan that is strategically linked to the
US, our European friends and allies.” His
previous position as Economic Minister
Counsellor in Germany included counterterrorism and efforts to combat international
criminal activities.
He noted: “In the 22 years since the US and
Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations,
we have worked with Azerbaijan on three
equally important areas – security, energy,
and democracy – all of which are necessary
for the its complete integration into the
Euro-Atlantic community. We recognise
that Azerbaijan lives in a very difficult
neighbourhood and must maintain its
security and stability, which the US strongly
supports. Azerbaijan is a pivotal player in
the region’s future peace and stability.”
NATO Wales Summit declaration aimed at resolving conflict
James Warlick, US Co-Chair, OSCE Minsk Group, has revealed that that the NATO Wales Summit declaration adopted on 5 September
refers to the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act as the guiding principles for resolution of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh. He said: “These principles include the non-use of force and territorial integrity, together with the rights for the selfdetermination of peoples. We would like to stress that the OSCE Minsk Group is the format of negotiations recognised by the conflicting
sides and the international community. We believe that all sides will constructively collaborate with us to achieve a lasting settlement.”
Council of Europe discusses the Sarsang Reservoir
The Council of Europe Social Affairs
Committee has discussed a draft information
memorandum by Milica Markovic, an
MEP from Bosnia and Herzegovina and
Rapporteur for a motion recognising the
role of the Armenian occupying forces
in deliberately depriving the Azerbaijani
regions near the ‘contact line’ of water.
This was tabled by Elkhan Suleymanov,
member of Azerbaijani Delegation to PACE,
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and led to protestations from the Armenian
delegation, demanding that the report
should be expanded to deal with water
issues across Europe.
The memorandum relates to the policy
of the Armenian forces over the Sarsang
Reservoir in the Tartar region, located
on Azerbaijani territory, which remains
under
occupation. Azerbaijan
claims
that the Sarsang Reservoir has not been
maintained for over 20 years, placing the
lives of around 40,000 Azerbaijani citizens
living nearby at risk. The water supply and
hydroelectric capacity of the reservoir has
also been illegally appropriated by Armenia.
The report on the Sarsang Reservoir, to be
prepared by PACE, will be the first issued
by the organisation to deal with occupied
strategic facilities.
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