Athens , 2 July 2009

It is a great pleasure for me to visit Baku. Relations between our two countries have been getting stronger and stronger in recent years, as President Aliyev’s recent visit to Greece testifies.

I had a very interesting discussion with Minister Mammadyarov on both OSCE-Azeri cooperation as well as on our bilateral relations.

As you know, just this past weekend Greece hosted an informal ministerial meeting on the Greek island of Corfu to reinvigorate the dialogue on European security. Today we had an opportunity to discuss these issues with the Minister, who wasn’t able to attend.

We count on your support to push the Corfu process forward in view of the Athens Ministerial Meeting in December.

Minister Mammadyarov briefed me on recent developments on Nagorno-Karabakh. I am encouraged by the latest progress in the negotiation process, and the constructive discussions that have taken place.

A more secure, more stable and stronger Europe is in all our interests. Azerbaijan plays an important role in helping to promote security and stability in the South Caucasus and the whole OSCE area.

Dialogue is necessary not despite the differences but because of them. This dialogue needs to take place between our states in the OSCE, with our neighbours and within our countries as well. This dialogue makes democracy stronger and that is exactly what we need.

On the bilateral level, President Aliyev’s visit to Athens four months ago constitutes an important milestone. Relations between our two countries have never been better. Yet, there is ample room for improvement.

We need to enhance our cooperation on every level and at every sector. Energy, commerce, tourism and banking are only some of the fields were opportunities for both sides arise. The agreements we signed earlier this year are a solid foundation to build on.

TGI, the Turkey-Greece-Italy gas pipeline is a top priority for both our countries. Once successfully complete it will serve as a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work closely together.

Minister Mammadyarov thank you very much for your hospitality.

Journalist: I represent Greek public television. What is your comment about the state of the bilateral relations with Greece, and when do you think the TGI pipeline will operate and how this will help the relations with Greece?

Mr. Mammadyarov: I will answer in English. That will be easier for you for the translation. You know, as it was indicated by Minister Bakoyanni, four months ago the visit of my President to Athens was a milestone, a very important one.

We believe that, as you indicated on the energy sphere, but we believe that the other spheres as well are important for the bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Greece.

Probably you know that part of Azerbaijani gas is already on the Greek market. And besides that, we agreed with Greece to even expand the volumes of Azeri gas for the Greek market.

There was indication of a Turkey-Greece-Italy pipeline, and it’s also a very important element for the diversification of the gas supplies from the Caspian region, particularly from Azerbaijan, to the European markets.

Negotiations on the implementation of this project are still going on, but I believe that the level of the agreement for TGI is higher compared to the other projects with regard to the bringing of Azeri gas to the European markets.

Journalist: .........

Ms. D. Bakoyannis: Well, as you know, the OSCE mission in Azerbaijan is working very close together not only with the government but with all political parties. Azerbaijan is not only a partner in the OSCE but also a member of the Council of Europe. And the progress which is being made is mentioned, and we are working together for the preparations of the coming up elections, municipal elections and parliamentary elections, in close cooperation with ODIHR, who is our responsible unit for that.