In early September Gunter Oettinger, European Energy Commissar, visited Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The current visit of Gunter Oettinger to the region was special, because based on the results of the visit the European Commission will make a report about results of annual activities aimed at holding talks with the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan concerning the trans-Caspian gas pipeline construction, a source from EC told Turan.
On September 12, 2011 the European Union Council confirmed the mandate holding talks between EC, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to conclude the agreement on construction of the trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
In Azerbaijan Gunter Oettinger met with President Ilham Aliyev to discuss not only "transit desires and possibilities" of Azerbaijan, but also perspective infrastructural projects outside of the country. Such Baku's position aimed at a long-term perspective of stable gas deliveries pleasantly surprised European Energy Commissar.
However, Oettinger's mood has changed for the worse upon his arrival to Ashgabad. He failed to meet with Turkmenistan President Gurbangulu Berdymohammadov and Foreign Minister of the country.
Why did Turkmenistan President refuse to meet with the European Commissar? Berdymohammadov stated that his country is ready to deliver gas to Europe and even mentioned that "construction of the gas pipeline along the Caspian Sea bottom is the business of the countries, via which the pipeline will be laid."
It seems like Turkmenistan does not wish to share financial, ecological and safety risks with the partners of the trans-Caspian gas pipeline. He would like to shift responsibility on the companies, which will build the pipeline. In addition, in order to ensure stable gas deliveries to the trans-Caspian gas pipeline, the western companies would like to sign production sharing agreement (PSA), but the Turkmenistan officials do not want to do that. In order to deliver gas from the eastern fields to the Caspian Sea shore, Turkmenistan needs to complete construction of local gas pipeline East-West. But Ashgabad does not want to share the assets with other partners.
With such development of events construction of the trans-Caspian gas pipeline is impossible.-0-
Economics
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S&P Global Ratings has revised its risk assessment of Azerbaijan’s banking sector, upgrading the outlook from "stable" to "positive."
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In recent days, there have been claims that bread prices in Azerbaijan have risen. Social media users report that the price of bread has increased by 5-10 qepiks. According to consumer complaints, it is difficult to find weight information on factory-produced bread, commonly known as "zavod çörəyi" in Azerbaijan. In many cases, bread packaging does not include weight details. Similarly, bread sold at smaller bakeries and tandir houses often lacks information apart from the price.
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A trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers, transport ministers, energy ministers, and heads of customs services of Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan is set to take place soon to discuss the progress of the Rasht-Astara railway project, a key element of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This was announced by Iran’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali.
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Azerbaijan and Tatarstan continue to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, based on mutual interests in energy, mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, agriculture, and transport. Bilateral relations have shown steady growth, supported by regular visits of official delegations and participation in international economic forums.
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