OREANDA-NEWS. December 8, 2011. The delegation headed by SOCAR President Mr. Rovnag Abdullayev is on a business visit to the United States of America. The visit including important meetings to be held in connection with Company’s long-term projects in a number of U.S. cities started from Texas. SOCAR President and representatives accompanying him have met with Mr. Chad E. Wootton, Associate Vice President for External Affairs of Texas A&M University, which is famous all over the world for preparation of oil engineers.

During the meeting, SOCAR representatives spoke about works implemented by SOCAR for establishment of Baku Petroleum High School under the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan, noted possible cooperation opportunities with the world engineering universities in this connection. According to Mr. Abdullayev, SOCAR carries out staff training programs and close cooperation with the world's leading universities for this purpose.

He pointed out SOCAR’s large-scale investment projects in Europe and need for specialists with high intellectual potential for achieving a rightful place in the international markets. As he mentioned, Baku Petroleum High School would serve for this purpose. Mr. Abdullayev said there are great opportunities for joint cooperation with oil engineer specialty of Texas A&M University. According to him, standards of Texas A&M University thought to be applied in Baku. Expressing the gratitude for the compliments, Mr. Chad E. Wootton gave detailed information about the University and mentioned that there are more than 370 engineering departments at A&M University which is among the top ten U.S. universities. He noted that there are a number opportunities for cooperation with SOCAR.

As a first step he mentioned participation of the department representatives in the development of standards and program, and later exchange of teachers and students and cooperation in higher levels. At the meeting, the attendees agreed upon A&M University delegation’s visit to Baku. Afterwards, SOCAR President met with Texas Governor Mr. Rick Perry.

Mr. Abdullayev spoke about the establishment of Baku Petroleum High School, Company’s will to benefit from A&M University’s practice in oil engineers preparation, and their meeting in this connection. Texas Governor Mr. Rick Perry said he will support the proposals of SOCAR management.