OREANDA-NEWS. SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev received French delegation, being on a visit to Azerbaijan to attend the 2nd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

 Welcoming the guests, Mr. Abdullayev spoke about developing bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and France, the important role of mutual visits, meetings and exchange of views in further expansion of these relationships, as well as emphasized the significance of Baku Forum. Expressing gratitude for the warm reception on behalf of the guests, Jean-Luc Reitzer, vice-president of France-Azerbaijan Friendship Group in the National Assembly, congratulated Azerbaijani people on the occasion of May 28, the Republic Day. Noting the gradual strengthening relations between France and Azerbaijan, French officials highly appreciated the role of the country in the energy security of Europe.

In turn, Mr. Abdullayev pointed out that Azerbaijan was an old land of oil and it made great contributions to the world oil industry. SOCAR President gave detailed information about the recent global and regional oil and gas projects, and achievements received within these projects. He emphasized the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project in provision of the European energy security and briefed on the works conducted in this connection. As to him, selection of a route for transportation of Azeri natural gas to European countries has stepped to the final stage and the final decision will be made on June 2013. SOCAR President stated that in this regard, the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project proposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey has got international disposition. “At the same time, the expansion of the South Caucasus gas pipeline and Shah Deniz-2 project is to be completed soon”, said Mr. Abdullayev. Pointing out the favorable investment opportunities, SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev responded questions of the guests.