The following questions were put to the expert:

1. The safeguarding of energy security is among the target of Azerbaijan’s oil strategy. Are you content with the changes that have been taking place in this field over the past years?

2. In addition to crude oil, Azerbaijan emerges to be a gas-exporting country, thereby promising new opportunities on the horizon. Some countries want rich natural resources of Azerbaijan are a response to their energy security needs. What is your assessment of the discussions over the corresponding issues at the latest summit of GUAM?

3. To the same point, a conference East Meets West: New Boundaries of Energy Security was held in Istanbul yesterday, with participation at the level of the Heads of Government and State. To what extent does that official meeting carry weight to the process of integration of the Caspian Basin nations in to Europe?

4. To what extent is our country – a new power gearing a particular voice in the global energy security system – able to address European energy security problems?

5. What is your assessment of the outlook on Central Asia nations’ joining the BTC pipeline?

6. What is the probability of transforming the TransCaspian gas main from a would-be project into a reality? Will Russia continue insisting – from start to finish – that it is against this project?

The expert gave detailed answers to the questions by emphasizing that hydrocarbon wealth must be a leverage to foster the development of the non-oil sector. The gradual growth of the economy beyond petroleum development will make it possible to avoid the problems that might emerge with the depletion of oil & gas deposits.

During the broadcasting, Mr Vahid Ahmadov, an MP, joined the called the studio to express that “Azerbaijan’s transformation into the producer of oil and gas strengthens the country’s geo-strategic and geo-economic position in the region. By becoming Europe’s partner on energy issues, Azerbaijan furthers its integration in to the world economy. On the one hand, this contributes to solving the problems which we are facing, while, on the other hand, opportunities set up on the horizon for bettering living conditions and yet enhancing the well-being of the population.”