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www.teas.eu October 2013

CHINARA ALIZADE – SHINING LIGHT OF THE BOLSHOI

10 / 2013www.teas.eu

Also in this issue: Azerbaijan takes UN Security Council PresidencyMammadyarov addresses the UN General AssemblyUS support for WTO accessionICG recognises the Nagorno-Karabakh threatPlans finalised for the TEAS Business Forum London

Culture | Public Affairs Business | Philanthropy

October 2013 www.teas.eu

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The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European organisation dedicated to raising awareness of Azerbaijan and fostering closer economic, political and cultural links between that country and the nations of Europe.

As well as promoting the positive aspects of Azerbaijan, TEAS also highlights the plight of the 875,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the country. These people are unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions by Armenia’s armed forces – in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions.

TEAS has three main facets to its operations:• Culture – TEAS raises awareness of Azerbaijan’s rich and vibrant culture to a worldwide

audience by organising cultural events and operating as a networking centre. • Business – TEAS supports its membership of European and Azerbaijani businesses. It

provides a platform for organisations to establish links and strengthen their existing business relationships via a programme of networking opportunities across the regions.

• Public Affairs – TEAS works to increase awareness about Azerbaijan amongst key opinion- formers, key decision-makers and other political, academic and civil society stakeholders.

In pursuit of its objectives TEAS:• Organises meetings with interested parties, opinion-formers and decision-makers• Arranges roundtables, seminars, lectures and conferences• Publishes pamphlets, reports, bulletins, books and films• Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.

Mailing ListTEAS is always bringing the latest news, views and interviews from Azerbaijan. Sign up to our mailing-list to receive the latest information straight to your inbox: www.teas.eu

Welcome to the TEAS Magazine

FacebookThe TEAS Facebook page is your chance to learn about the latest news, events, campaigns and other Azerbaijan-related items. Visit and ‘like’ our page at: http://bit.ly/TEASFB.

Membership and SponsorshipTEAS offers a range of corporate and individual membership packages, providing such benefits as advertising, trade missions, networking, business sector advice and hotel discounts.

TEAS also offers numerous sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for its events and conferences. To find out more, e-mail: [email protected].

Upcoming Event For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming-events

TENTATIONLE MAGAZINE DE CEUX QUI BOUGENT

5 NovemberTEAS Business Forum LondonNo.4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ08.30–17.00. Free admission. Register at http://teas.eu/teas-business-forum-london-2013-register

The flagship TEAS Business Forum will bring together investors, policy-makers, bankers, journalists, analysts, NGO representatives and government executives for an extensive programme and will serve to:

• Outline the opportunities and risks when undertaking business and trade in Azerbaijan• Provide updates on Azerbaijan’s investment climate and investors’ concerns• Discuss recommendations for new policies and governance practices to further promote investments in and by international and domestic businesses• Raise awareness of the non-oil growth sectors in the country to assist with the development of economic diversification.

Featuring many industry experts, topics will include agribusiness, large-scale infrastructure projects, energy issues in the region, and the ICT sector.


03

From the TEAS DirectorLionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

Politics and News

This month, Azerbaijan took over the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council. This is a powerful illustration of Azerbaijan’s new-found role as a regional and global player, having been elected to the Security Council during the 2011 election, eventually achieving 155 votes. Amongst the many challenges facing the UN at this time, the ongoing conflict in Syria will be at the top of the agenda. With millions of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) having been forced to flee their homes as a result of this current conflict, Azerbaijan is well-placed to guide the UN’s response, as it has had to care for 875,000 refugees and IDPs for over 20 years due to the conflict with Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s new global role is also illustrated by a widening acknowledgement of its role in supporting the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan. This role will become even more vital as NATO – and British – troops start to withdraw next year. US support for an Azerbaijani application to join the World Trade Organisation is also a manifestation of Azerbaijan’s growing economic power.

In November, Tale Heydarov, Founder and Chairman, TEAS and myself were honoured to be invited to attend a reception at Clarence House in aid of Prince Charles’ Mosaic International Leadership Programme, which identifies and nurtures potential leaders in the developing world. It was also an honour to be able to take Azerbaijani culture to the three main political party conferences in the form of performances by violinist Sabina Rakcheyeva, Cultural Advisor, TEAS and the Deco Ensemble.

Finally, on the business front, we are gearing up for the third TEAS Business Forum London on 5 November. A wide range of speakers will outline the full spectrum of business opportunities across a host of sectors. Attendance is free of charge, but please register at http://teas.eu/teas-business-forum-london-2013-register to book your place.

Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Lord Risby, the envoy of UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The sides expressed their satisfaction with the rapid economic development of Azerbaijan in recent years, and highlighted the successful long-term co-operation between the State Oil Company of the

Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) and BP. They also exchanged views on the furtherance of bilateral relations between the countries in various areas, including energy, trade, mutual investment, information and communications technologies (ICT), agriculture, education, health, tourism, and regional security.

Lords delegation meets Azerbaijani President Aliyev

Mosaic is a charity founded by HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, in 2007. Its purpose is to enable mentoring of young people from deprived communities around the world so they achieve their full potential. As part of its philanthropic role, TEAS is a contributor to Mosaic. Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, and Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, were recently invited to attend a reception at Clarence House along with other supporters and 80 young people from 16 countries who are currently participating in Mosaic’s International Leadership Programme. During the evening, they had the honour of meeting Prince Charles and learning more about the valuable work of Mosaic. To find out more, go to www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk.

TEAS supports Prince Charles’ Mosaic charityPrince Charles exchanges views with Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS, during the reception at Clarence House

Lord Risby, leader of the UK delegation, makes a point to Azerbaijani President Aliyev

On 1 October, Azerbaijan assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the second time. The country was elected as a non-permanent member for a two-year term in October 2011, and previously held the month-long Presidency in May 2012. The Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN – and current President – is Agshin Mehdiyev.

The UN Security Council Presidency will also provide Azerbaijan with an opportunity to remind other members that the four UN Security Council resolutions (Nos. 822, 853, 874 and 884) demanding Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding districts – passed 20 years ago – remain outstanding.

Azerbaijan takes the helm at the UN Security Council


04 Politics and News

Following the Azerbaijani Presidential Election on 9 October, it was announced by the Azerbaijani Central Election Committee (CEC), that Ilham Aliyev had won a third term in the Azerbaijani Presidential election. According to the CEC, the results were as follows:

• Ilham Aliyev, New Azerbaijan Party – 84.55 per cent

• Jamil Hasanli, National Council of Democratic Forces – 5.53 per cent

• Igbal Aghazade, Party of Hope, – 2.4 per cent

• Gudrat Hasanquliyev, Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front Party – 1.99 per cent

• Zahid Oruj, Independent – 1.45 per cent• Ilyas Ismayilov, Justice Party – 1.07 per

cent• Araz Alizade, Social Democratic Party –

0.87 per cent• Faraj Quliyev, National Revival

Movement Party – 0.86 per cent• Hafiz Hajiyev, Modern Equality Party –

0.66 per cent• Sardar Mammadov, Azerbaijan

Democratic Party – 0.61 per cent

The CEC stated that the voter turnout was 72.31 per cent. Web cameras were installed in 1000 polling stations so the voting could be viewed in real-time, and more than 50,000 observers, including 1400 international delegates, monitored the proceedings. This included 319 long- and short-term observers deployed by the mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), 26 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, 34 officials from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and ten from the European Parliament. Around 100 international media outlets covered the election.

Just prior to Azerbaijan taking on the reins of the UN Security Council Presidency, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, made a statement at the UN General Assembly in New York. He said: “Recently, the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has commended Azerbaijan’s achievements in combating hunger, and recognised that the country has accomplished the first objective of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with regard to combating malnourishment. Moreover, gender equality, empowerment of women and fighting HIV/AIDS have also been identified as progress areas.”

Mr Mammadyarov said: “One of the key elements that Azerbaijan is considering within the post-2015 agenda is information and communication technologies (ICT), which is a driving force for development and progress. In this connection, Azerbaijan has put forward a proposal to establish the Eurasian Connectivity Alliance – a regional platform in support of improved connectivity and greater co-operation in the ICT sector.”

“20 years ago, in 1993, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions – 822, 853, 874 and 884 – condemning the use of force against Azerbaijan and the occupation of its territories. To our deepest regret, the principled UN Security Council demands have still not been implemented, and the mediation efforts conducted for more than 20 years within the OSCE framework have yet to yield results. We have no doubt that Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh will one day live side-by-side in peace and dignity in this region of Azerbaijan. It is therefore essential and vital to continue efforts for peace, accord and coexistence between the two communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minster, addresses the UN General Assembly (Photo: UN Photo/Sarah Fretwell)

Mammadyarov speaks his mind at the UN General Assembly

President Aliyev re-elected in high turnout election

Incumbent President Ilham Aliyev casts his vote

Azerbaijan is expecting to sign an agreement on visa regime simplification with EU countries before the EU Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius on 28–29 November.

Mahmud Mammadguliyev, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister, made the announcement during a meeting with the members of the Caspian European Integration Business Club. He said that the decision on signing the visa regime simplification agreement had already been made, and the document is awaiting final ratification.

Mr Mammadguliyev said: “We believe that this agreement can be signed even before the Vilnius Summit.” He also explained that Azerbaijan expects to sign a Strategic Modernisation Partnership Document during the Vilnius Summit, saying: “There are no outstanding questions left from our side, and we are only waiting for the EU decision.”

EU visa deal soon to be finalised

UN–OIC meeting to be organisedElman Abdullayev, Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Ministry, stated that Azerbaijan would seek to increase collaboration between the UN and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) during its Presidency of the UN Security Council. He commented that a high-level meeting would be organised in order to achieve this objective. Mr Abdullayev went on to outline Azerbaijan’s activities in Africa, Latin America and Asia, stressing that Azerbaijan will support the development and strengthening of countries in these regions.


05

According to UEFA, Azerbaijan is bidding alongside 32 member countries to be part of the 13-nation Euro 2020 hosting project, following an assurance of government support by President Aliyev. Responding to the news, Michel Platini, President, UEFA, acknowledged that Baku has good infrastructure, going on to say: “I consider that Baku has many chances to hold Euro 2020. But I have a neutral position in this issue.” Elkhan Mammadov, Secretary-General, Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), commented that a successful Euro 2020 bid could increase Azerbaijan’s chances of being successful in its bid to host the Olympic Games in the future.

Azerbaijan is proposing to organise matches at the 68,000-seater Baku Olympic Stadium, which will be completed ahead of hosting events for the first European Games in 2015. This was originally intended for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, but Baku failed to reach the International Olympic Committee’s shortlist.

UEFA will select 13 cities in September 2014. One will host the final and semifinals, whereas the other 12 will stage three group

matches and one knockout match during the 24-team tournament. However, success of the bid could be dependent on finding a nearby partner country to co-host one of the six groups, as Mr Platini has pledged to minimise travel time for fans. Currently, neighbouring Turkey is bidding only for the final match package. If successful, Mr

Mammadov said that he expected fans to come to Baku from such neighbouring UEFA countries as Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Kazakhstan, in addition to such Asian nations as Iran and Turkmenistan. He concluded: “It was a very good decision by the UEFA President to bring football to the fans, and not the fans to football.”

Politics and News

Michel Platini, former footballer and President, UEFA, travelled to Baku to discuss the Azerbaijani bid to become a Euro 2020 host (Photo: Ouest France)

Speaking recently in Brussels, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite addressed a Brussels audience on the hot topic of European energy policy. According to her, the European Union (EU) must address energy supply security and diversification before reorganising its internal market to deliver affordable energy. Azerbaijan is set to play a crucial role in achieving this objective.

It is undeniable that the EU is becoming increasingly dependent on imported energy, and must work to ensure diversification of its supplies. This was re-echoed in Mrs Grybauskaite’s recent speech at the European Policy Centre (EPC) conference entitled European Energy Policy – Towards Greater

Solidarity on 12 September when she said that: “Russia is taking an increasingly aggressive stance in its energy policy, using energy as a political tool, especially with the countries of the European Eastern neighbourhood.” Mrs Grybauskaite agreed that Europe needs to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.

Azerbaijan can play a pivotal role in securing the EU’s energy supplies. This has become even more evident since the recent announcement by the BP-led Shah Deniz Consortium that the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has been selected to bring Azerbaijani gas from the European border of Turkey to European consumers, via Greece, Albania and Italy.

Politicians and diplomats around Europe agree that Azerbaijan has proven to be a reliable partner for the EU. Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Belgium, commented: “Azerbaijan provides great opportunities for Europe and combines reliable energy supplies with excellent trade relations in the west. The country is a stable partner for European energy supply. Over the past decade, the country has known one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world and has always been open to mutual dialogue with Europe. If Europe wants to maintain its independence, and diversify its energy supply, it is necessary to recognise that Europe’s energy future lies in Azerbaijan.”

UEFA President Platini acknowledges Euro 2020 bid

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS e-mail: [email protected]

During an interview with TEAS, Senator Jean-Marie Bockel, Member of the Energy Study Group and France-Caucasus Friendship Group in the French Senate has commented on the importance of Azerbaijan to his country. He said: “Since regaining its independence 21 years ago, the development of Azerbaijan has been remarkable, especially in two respects. First of all, its economic success has allowed

the country to modernise and its people to improve their quality of life. Economic growth was 25–35 per cent from 2005–07, when it was the most rapidly-growing economy in the world. The poverty rate dropped from 45 per cent at the end of the 1990s to 7.6 per cent in 2011.

“Following the example of the

hydrocarbon sector, non-energy sectors like agribusiness and construction are soaring, making Azerbaijan an attractive destination for French investors. Moreover, Azerbaijan has become France’s largest economic partner in the South Caucasus. Also, France is now the second largest foreign direct investor in Azerbaijan after the UK.”

France’s largest South Caucasus economic partner


TEAS’ presence at the three main UK political party conferences this year took the form of sophisticated jazz receptions, featuring violinist Sabina Rakcheyeva, the first Azerbaijani graduate from the Juilliard School in New York, accompanied by the Deco Ensemble. During the three events, more than 700 Peers, MPs, Ministers, Shadow Ministers and members of the party faithful were enraptured by the quality and variety of this captivating music.

The Deco Ensemble comprised Bartosz Glowacki (accordion), Ricardo Gosalbo (piano), Rob Luft (guitar) and Matt Ridley (bass), performing such works as Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Milonga del Angel, Soledad, Libertango and Oblivion. They also played two works penned by Ms Rakcheyeva – Towards the East and Once in Baku, both of which featured on UnVeiled, her debut CD. To purchase a copy, go to http://bit.ly/unveiledcd.

06 Culture

Sabina Rakcheyeva and the Deco Ensemble brought Argentine spirit to the TEAS Jazz Receptions

Vibrant Azerbaijani jazz surmounts the political divide

Alim Qasimov – the world’s best-known mugham singer – has performed alongside his daughter Fargana Qasimova for a performance at the annual Festival d’Ile de France in Paris, entitled The Song of Ecstasy. Held in the 13th century Abbaye de Maubuisson, this was attended by around 400 people. A mugham trio of Rauf Islamov (kamancha), Zeki Veliyev (tar) and Rafael Isgandarov (nagara) accompanied the singers.

H.E. Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, spoke about the role of mugham as an essential element of Azerbaijani identity. Information relating to mugham and ashiq music and other aspects of Azerbaijani culture was distributed to all attendees. Alim Qasimov is a People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and was a recipient of the International Music Council–UNESCO Music Prize in 1999. This summer, Alim and Fargana also performed at the European Stadium of Culture Festival in Poland, the International Festival of Carthage in Tunisia and the Space of Mugham Festival in Baku.

Marvellous mugham brought to the Festival d’Ile de France

This year’s lineup includes such jazz luminaries as tenorist Joshua Redman (Photo: Siebe van Ineveld)

The Baku International Jazz Festival will run from 23 October–2 November, and this year’s lineup is set to be bigger, better and more international than ever before. Overseas musicians will include saxophonist Joshua Redman, bassist Avishai Cohen, guitarist Marcus Miller, pianist Bob James and saxophonist David Sanborn. Azerbaijani jazz will be represented by some of the country’s leading musicians, such as the pianists Isfar Sarabski, Salman Gambarov and Emil Afrasiyab, tar player Mirjavad Jafarov and the singers Diana Hajiyeva and Sabina Babayeva. The concerts will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, International Mugham Centre and Baku Jazz Centre, and the festival is organised by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Azerbaijan Culture Foundation. To see the full programme – and details of other concerts in Baku – go to http://bit.ly/citylifeaz.

International jazz stars descend on Baku

An exhibition of major works by ‘severe style’ pioneer Tahir Salahov, now aged 85 years, will take place in the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre from 1 October–6 November, entitled Junction of Centuries. Mr Salahov originally studied in Baku and Moscow, and achieved early success when his painting The Shift Is Over was exhibited in 1957 at the Moscow All-Union Art Exhibition, where it attracted public and critical acclaim. He subsequently became a proponent of the 1960s ‘severe style’, an artistic movement that rebelled against the ‘polished reality’ of the

Socialist Realism from the Stalinist era.

Mr Salahov’s representations of the life and work of Baku oil-workers (e.g. Repair Men) and portraits, such as those of the composers Gara Garayev and Dmitri Shostakovich, are forceful and deliberately lack idealisation. Salahov chose a palette of contrasting red, black, light- and dark-grey tones, and gave coloured plains a decorative function.

His later works are more peaceful and lyrically

contemplative, with more incorporation of Eastern influences, such as in Portrait of Grandson Dan, where the composition and colours are subordinate to the flowing rhythms of Eastern medieval miniatures. Over time, his lines became smoother and more melodious, and his palette was more sophisticated. Mr Salahov also painted some impressive studies of scenes from foreign countries, such as those depicting life in Mexico. During his long career, he also produced expressive drawings and stage designs.

Heydar Aliyev Centre to host Salahov exhibition


07Culture

The London-based Azerbaijani violinist Nazrin Rashidova has launched her debut CD during a lunchtime recital at the prestigious Wigmore Hall, performing alongside pianist Roderick Chadwick. The audience rapturously applauded the recital, which included five of Polish composer Leopold Godowsky’s 12 Impressions for Violin and Piano, composed in 1916 as showpieces for Fritz Kreisler, all of which are recorded by the first time on her CD, together with other pieces by the composer. The programme also included his compatriot Karol Szymanowski’s Fountain of Arethusa and Dryads and Pan (from Myths) and the sun-drenched Moritz Moszkowski’s No.2 and 5 from Spanish Dances, in addition to Mozart’s Violin Sonata in B Flat. The encore was Fritz Kreisler’s spirited Capriccio Viennois.

Julian Haylock positively reviewed the CD in The

Strad magazine, which focuses on violin music. He writes: “This music radiates enchanted contentment and bonhomie in much the same vein as Kreisler’s own indelibly Viennese miniatures. It is an idiom that has defeated even some of the finest players, yet Azerbaijan-born Nazrin Rashidova captures its elusive, tantalising combination of insouciant cool and nostalgic intensity to perfection. You have only to listen to the way she times and subtly portamentos the main theme of the Tyrolean (No. 4 of the 12 Impressions) to know you are in the safest of hands, even if a richer, fatter timbre might have sounded even more alluring. First-rate sonics and a highly informative booklet note from Naxos stalwart Keith Anderson round out a most enterprising and worthwhile release.” To find out more on Nazrin, go to www.nazrin.co.uk and to order the CD, visit http://bit.ly/NazrinCD.Nazrin gave a virtuoso performance of

the rarely-heard Polish repertoire

Rashidova’s CD launched to great acclaim at Wigmore Hall

Memories of Baku, a profusely illustrated book focusing on the development of the Azerbaijani capital during the first oil boom, was launched at Baku Restaurant in Sloane Street, London, on 26 September at an event attended by around 70 people (see interview with the editor, Nicolas Iljine, TEAS Magazine, September 2013, p.7). The sponsors were the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the UK, the Britain–Azerbaijan Business Council, and Asia House.

In his introduction, H.E. Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, commented: “As you may know, Azerbaijan has a rich history in the oil sector and Baku is inseparably linked with development of the world’s oil industry. In 1901, more than half of the world’s oil and 55 per cent of all Russian oil was produced in Baku. The city of Baku was the world’s oil-producing centre, and the second was the US. Many oil companies, both local, owned by such Azerbaijani businessmen as Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, Agha Musa Naghiyev, Murtuza Mukhtarov and Shamsi Asadullayev, and foreign firms owned by the Nobel Brothers, Rothschilds, Royal Dutch Shell and others were actively undertaking business in Baku.

“The development of the oil industry greatly contributed to the transformation of Baku from a small Azerbaijani town into a booming city of international importance. This process affected all aspects of Bakuvian life, including politics, economy, culture and daily existence. Many people came to Baku for economic reasons and to gain a better life. As a result, Baku’s population rapidly increased, and became ethnically diversified. Baku became the

centre of economic, cultural and intellectual life in the south of the Russian Empire.”

Nicolas Iljine, Editor, Memories of Baku, said: “When working on this book, I strove to select the most appropriate visual content to encapsulate the period – including archive postcards and photographs. I also selected the most suitable authors for each section, four of which were from Baku and one from New York. It is not designed as a coffee table book – in fact, it provides a great deal of information. The book contains an extensive bibliography so those who are interested can find out more. There are currently not many books on this period that are available in the English language. This is about the development

of the culture and the architecture of this era, some of which – particularly religious buildings – was destroyed during the Soviet period.”

Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive, Asia House recalled: “It is important to remember the first oil boom, particularly at this time, when we are seeing so many new developments in Baku.” Ulvi Kasimov, Chairman, Sferiq Investment Council, commented: “I supported the publication of Memories of Baku because I felt a moral obligation to my forebears and all Azerbaijanis who were active in Baku during the period covered by this book.” To purchase the book, go to http://bit.ly/memoriesofbaku.

Editor and historian Nicolas Iljine signed copies of Memories of Baku at the London launch

Memories of the first oil boom highlighted in London’s heart


Culture08

To commemorate its centenary and the 128th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir Hajibeyov, who combined both the ashiq and mugham genres with western classical music, a concert performance of the operetta Arshin Mal Alan (The Cloth Peddler) was given at the UNESCO HQ in Paris. This featured vocalists from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, accompanied by a symphony orchestra comprising musicians from Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, under the baton of Aghaverdi Pashayev. Tattimbet, a traditional Kazakh music ensemble, augmented the orchestra, and this concert performance did full justice to this vibrant and evocative music. The narrative itself also emphasises the progressive nature of Azerbaijani society at the time, featuring a strong female protagonist, discussions on women’s rights, and the struggle against outmoded concepts of class.

In his introduction, Francesco Bandarin, Assistant Director-General for Culture, UNESCO, said: “Arshin Mal Alan is an illustrious piece of art, and the composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov made a great contribution to both Turkic and world culture.” Sevda Mammadaliyeva, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism, highlighted the international popularity of the operetta and its ongoing impact on culture in the South Caucasus region and beyond.

Organised by the pan-Turkic organisation TURKSOY, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, the performance was attended by over 1200 people, including Azerbaijani Embassy representatives and members of the Azerbaijani representation at UNESCO. An identical performance was also given at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès in Strasbourg. To see excerpts from the UNESCO performance, go to http://bit.ly/unescoarshinmalalan.

Hejibeyov’s exceptional music, blending western and eastern idioms, was celebrated during the performance at the UNESCO HQ in Paris (Photo: TURKSOY)

1200 watch Arshin Mal Alan at UNESCO HQ

The Paris-based South Azerbaijani photographer Reza has worked for hundreds of publications, including the National Geographic Magazine, Time, Newsweek, Stern and Paris-Match. He has undertaken humanitarian work in many regions, most notably as the UN consultant in Afghanistan, and in the war-torn African countries of Rwanda and Burundi.

On 25 September, he received the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) at the Royal Geographical Society in London, where he delivered a speech on Photography for Humanity. This included two photographs taken in Azerbaijan. The first of these was from his latest project in the country, entitled Land of Tolerance, which featured very elderly people of Russian origin sitting in a state-constructed church in Azerbaijan, their craggy faces and long beards bearing

testament to their experiences of Azerbaijan’s troubled history during the past century.

The second was taken in April 1992 in Agdam, Nagorno-Karabakh, soon after its invasion by Armenian forces. It captured the anguished face of an elderly woman, her arms in the air, following the discovery of the bodies of her son and husband, both of whom had their eyes gouged out. Reza explained the impact of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the plight of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who continue to live in camps across Azerbaijan.

Following the speech, Reza flew to the UN Headquarters Secretariat Building in New York to present his week-long Land of Tolerance photographic exhibition, organised with the support of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Reza delivered an inspirational talk about the power of photography, particularly in relation to conflict zones (Photo: HIPA)

Reza speaks on Azerbaijan in London and New York

A 12m-tall inflatable duck known as Rubber Duck, created by the Dutch sculptor Florentijn Hofman to emulate the popular bathroom toy, has docked by Baku Boulevard. The well-known sculpture had arrived in Azerbaijan in late August, but poor weather prohibited it from being floated to its final destination.

Rubber Duck was brought to Baku as part of the Participate Baku Public Art Festival organised by the YARAT Contemporary Art Organisation, which focuses on promoting Azerbaijani art on an international scale. The arrival of the sculpture was attended by numerous Azerbaijani public figures from the cultural world, and applauded by Bakuvians and their children.

Prior to its arrival in the Azerbaijani capital, Rubber Duck has floated around some of the world’s most famous cities, including New York, Tokyo and Osaka. The original Rubber Duck was created in 2007. Mr Hofman specialises in creating pieces that take everyday objects as their point of departure, resulting in artworks to which the mass of the population can easily relate.

Florentijn Hofman, Rubber Duck, Baku Public Arts Festival 2013 (Photo: Fakhriyya Mammadova, Courtesy: YARAT Contemporary Art Organisation)

Daffy docks in Baku


Corporate Profile – GoldenPay 09

What is your company’s specialisation?GoldenPay was developed as the first online payment system in Azerbaijan. By integrating GoldenPay with their eCommerce services, tax-registered entities in Azerbaijan can accept online payments for products or services. Government bodies can also use GoldenPay to receive payments for online services.

After a while, GoldenPay created www.hesab.az – its business-to-consumer (b2c)

brand. The portal is now the largest in the country, with over 75,000 users. Its turnover and userbase grows by approximately 10 per cent every month. The portal also offers insurance and banking modules. The company is now planning to launch its mobile money wallet application, which will complement its c2c marketplace. It also plans to add ticketing and tourism services to the portal.

What is the size of your company?GoldenPay has a monthly turnover of around AZN4m (£3.1m), growing by around 10 per cent each month. It has 24 employees and predicts that the workforce will soon expand to around 40 people.

What are the special strengths of GoldenPay?It is the most innovative company in the country. GoldenPay allows people to save time by making online purchases, sets a model for transparency, and serves to improve the reputation of the country.

Where do you sit in the Azerbaijani marketplace?GoldenPay operates as the leading eCommerce payment system in Azerbaijan, accounting for 70 per cent of the market.

Are you experiencing any competition from outside of Azerbaijan?Not at the present time.

Do you have a presence in other countries?This is not currently the case, although GoldenPay has plans to expand into six more countries.

What are the aspirations of GoldenPay in Azerbaijan?The company will consider that it has

achieved its objectives when Azerbaijanis regard eCommerce as being synonymous with GoldenPay.

What are your wider regional objectives?We would like to have a presence in Georgia.

Why Azerbaijan?What was the impetus behind your establishment in Azerbaijan?There was a general lack of eCommerce services.

How do you view the business climate in Azerbaijan?It is a good place to do business, but some improvements are required, particularly on the legal side. GoldenPay is part of a group that is working on improvements and suggestions.

How has GoldenPay grown?It has grown 10 times during the past three years.

What is the skills base amongst the Azerbaijanis?I wish that Azerbaijani education were better, and hope that educational reforms will soon be implemented to improve the skills level.

Does your company provide training or operate apprenticeship schemes?No, we outsource these activities.

GoldenPay5a, Ali Mustafayev Street,Baku AZ1111, Azerbaijan

Tel: +994 12 510 1713Website: www.goldenpay.az

Farid Ismayilzada, Founder and Chief Executive, GoldenPay

GoldenPayGoldenPay was launched in December 2008, after receiving the necessary online security certifications from Visa and MasterCard that enabled it to become the first online payment service provider in Azerbaijan. Four months later, the first merchant was connected to the system, followed by hundreds of others. GoldenPay has subsequently played an essential role in the development of Azerbaijani eCommerce. Now that eCommerce is firmly established, the company is focusing on two directions:

• Business Services – any company or individual with Tax ID wishing to connect to its payment gateway can still do so. GoldenPay would like as many merchants as possible to join the scheme over the next few years.

• Consumer Services – GoldenPay would like to spearhead development of the next layer of dynamic consumer services. This includes online ticketing, bill payment portals, online food ordering, the consumer-to-consumer (c2c) marketplace and almost any other service that is currently run online.

TEAS spoke to Farid Ismayilzada, Founder and Chief Executive, GoldenPay, to find out more:

The Hesab b2c portal now has over 75,000 users


10 Personalities – Chinara Alizade

Chinara Alizade – flying the Azerbaijani flag at the Bolshoi

Chinara Alizade is currently the only Azerbaijani ballet dancer at the renowned Moscow-based Bolshoi Ballet. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Moscow, she started ballet classes at the age of five, and continued her studies at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography. Chinara has currently been dancing with the Bolshoi Ballet for eight years. TEAS caught up with her prior to the performances of the ballet The Flames of Paris, which concluded the high-profile series of performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the company’s first performances in London.

How long are you in London with the Bolshoi, and in which ballets are you performing?I am dancing in The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, both of which have music by Tchaikovsky, and The Flames of Paris, to music by Boris Asafyev. Two of these are very well-known in the west, although The Flames of Paris remains best-known in Russia and across the CIS. It was written in 1932 and has been regularly performed since the Bolshoi reopened in 2011.

You are a soloist dancer in these ballets, two of which are very famous and will have been seen many times by audiences. Does performing such well-known repertoire present any challenges?There are some difficulties when performing in such classical ballets. The key challenge is that the choreography must be performed in a very precise manner. It is also necessary to take into account the historical background of the piece.

In the case of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, are you performing the choreography of Marius Petipa?In this instance I am performing the choreography of Yury Grigorovich, who was the General Manager of the Bolshoi Theatre from 1964–95. He choreographed many notable ballet productions during this period.

Do you feel that The Flames of Paris will attract a positive reception from a western audience?I believe that all dancers will play an invaluable role in evoking the revolutionary spirit of the ballet, which is set at the time of the French Revolution, yet has clear parallels with the Bolshevik Revolution. Alexei

Ratmansky choreographed and restaged the ballet in 2008. Unlike Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, this is a neoclassical ballet that presents opportunities for dancers to fully express themselves.

Are you constrained by the choreography to the same extent as with classical ballet?There are certain rules and constraints but, when compared to classical choreography, there is more independence and freedom. There is a greater sense of your own body, and you are able to express yourself in a deeper way than is the case with classical choreography.

Is it your preference to perform contemporary or neoclassical ballet, rather than classical ballet?I enjoy performing all balletic forms, but contemporary choreography makes me feel more equipped when performing classical choreography. I am showcased in one important section of The Flames of Paris, as there is a classical Greek-inspired ballet for the bourgeoisie within the overall ballet. I play a role called Amour, who connects the hearts of different characters. It is technically very advanced, and necessitates acting on two levels.

Where have you danced, to date?I have been a ballet soloist for some years, and one of my earliest roles was as a cygnet in Swan Lake. Aside from my work at the Bolshoi, I have performed at different theatres in Moscow as the Prima Ballerina, and have played Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty and the Swan in Swan Lake. I have also danced in Don Quixote in Italy and Austria. In the Bolshoi, there is considerable competition for the main roles, and it is necessary to

constantly be in a state of physical and mental preparation.

The Bolshoi gives us their programme three or four months in advance and, as not all dancers are required for every production, we are actively encouraged to fill in the gaps in the schedule by dancing with other companies. To date, I have performed in Austria and Italy, amongst other locations. This helps us experience different choreography and approaches to ballet. It is also a matter of prestige for the Bolshoi to have their soloists hired by other companies.

What initially inspired you to become a ballet dancer?The key reason was my mother, who initially planned to become a ballerina herself and participated in youth ballet. However, she eventually focused on gymnastics and realised her balletic dreams through myself. The first ballet that I saw was a video recording of Carmen, based on the opera and using Bizet’s music, and I was soon dreaming of playing the eponymous character. My mother took me to ballet school at an early age and

Azerbaijani ballerina Chinara Alizade demonstrates her supreme grace and athleticism in The Talisman

Chinara performing her favourite role of Kitri in Don Quixote (Photo: Damir Yusupov)


11Personalities – Chinara Alizade

that is the reason and source of inspiration for my appreciation of ballet and for my personal interest in this art form. Ballet rapidly became part of my heart, soul and very being. I personally feel very much drawn to ballet as a means of expression.

Which ballet school did you attend?I began studying ballet at the age of five years and then, at the age of 11, went to the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, which operates under the auspices of the Bolshoi Theatre. The first leading role I performed was as Kitri in Don Quixote.

Did you have to audition to become part of the Bolshoi Ballet?Following my graduation from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, there was

an international contest organised by the Bolshoi Theatre, and I achieved a Gold Medal, following which I was accepted. During my final year at the Academy, the artistic directors from the Bolshoi Theatre came, watched and interviewed the candidates. I danced very well, and was entered into the company.

How did it feel when you appeared on the Bolshoi Theatre stage for the first time?I appeared on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre for the first time whilst I was at the Academy, performing in the same troupe as the stars. However, when I came to the Bolshoi Theatre, I was not overawed by the experience as I had already appeared on the stage. I have been dancing with the Bolshoi for eight years and, for the first five of these,

I was in the Corps de Ballet, and became a soloist in the sixth year.

You grew up in Moscow, but you are Azerbaijani. Have you spent much time in Baku?I spent my first two years in Baku, although I did not return for some time. However, I visited Baku regularly during the last three years. I have never appeared in any Azerbaijani ballets, although there were Bolshoi productions of The Legend of Love (music: Arif Malikov) and Seven Beauties (music: Gara Garayev) just before I joined the company. I should like to dance in an Azerbaijani ballet.

Do you come from a musical family?Both of my parents studied at Baku Music Academy – my father as a classical pianist, and my mother as a conductor, although they later focused on other professions. They moved to Moscow after they finished their studies, where I was born. It takes a great deal of energy and many hours of work to become soloist at the Bolshoi. In fact, in the Corps de Ballet at the Bolshoi, each dancer has the ability to be a great soloist, it’s just that they are not all presented with the opportunity to do so. In my early years at the Bolshoi, I was in the Corps de Ballet and was simultaneously training to dance as a soloist.

Have you ever performed in Baku?My dance partner and I have been on tour to the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre several times, and am already a Honoured Artist of Azerbaijan. I have performed there in Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Giselle. I am the only Azerbaijani dancer in the Bolshoi Ballet, although there are two others in the Bolshoi Opera Ballet.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a Bolshoi dancer?We begin with exercises at 10.30am, regardless of whether we have a performance or not, and in the afternoon often have full rehearsals for a specific production. We are then free for the remainder of the afternoon and the evening, unless we have a performance. We work six days a week – our normal free day is Monday.

Are there any favourite roles that you have performed or would like to perform?My favourite role remains Kitri from Don Quixote, although I would like to perform in other dramatic and lyrical roles. As artists, we have a responsibility to find the nuances in our roles and interpet these for audiences.

To see Chinara dancing the role of Kitri in Don Quixote at the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, Italy, earlier this year, go to http://bit.ly/chinaralizade

Chinara as the Bluebird in The Sleeping Beauty (Photo: E. Fetisova/Bolshoi)


12 Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

In the latest International Crisis Group (ICG) briefing entitled Armenia and Azerbaijan: A Season of Risks, analysts examine possible scenarios for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It recognises that the peace talks broke down in 2011 and, since then, arms purchases and war rhetoric have gained momentum on both sides, bringing a risk of accidental war.

According to the briefing, over the past two years, both sides have vastly increased their military budgets and developed detailed war plans. There is a real risk that miscalculations or skirmishes along the ‘contact line’ between the occupying army of Armenia and Azerbaijan’s defence forces could result in full-scale fighting, potentially drawing in some of the regional powers – such as Russia, Turkey and Iran. Domestic issues in both Azerbaijan and Armenia could also potentially impact reinvigoration of the mediation process or direct negotiations.

The report recognises that international mediation is necessary to prevent an

escalation, particularly by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs from France, Russia and the US. It says they should highlight the risks and potential impact on both sides if war reignites. The authors state that Russia, an influential player in this conflict, should work more decisively towards an agreement and stop fuelling a potential conflict by supplying arms to both sides. The ICG analysts suggest that a crisis hotline should be re-established between Yerevan and Baku to reduce the chances of military conflict.

Paul Quinn-Judge, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director, ICG, said: “The immediate efforts required by mediators and other supporters towards a peace process is modest, yet urgent. They need to start talking about the risks posed by the ‘in-your-face’ approach favoured by Baku and Yerevan. Then, both countries need to be brought back to the table before someone decides the time has come to use their expensive new weapons.” To read the full report, go to http://bit.ly/icgreport.

A disused tank in Armenian-occupied Khankendi in Nagorno-Karabakh

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meet Foreign MinistersTaking place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York, the three OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – Igor Popov (Russian Federation); Jacques Fauré (France), and James Warlick (US) – met Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, and Edward Nalbandian, his Armenian counterpart.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the Foreign Ministers discussed the peace process, and the Co-Chairs stressed the commitment of their three countries towards the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, based on the non-use or the threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples. They also referred to the tripartite statement on 18 June that called on the sides to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could raise regional tensions or lead to conflict escalation. The Co-Chairs expect to visit the region in November to meet Azerbaijani President Aliyev and Armenian President Sargsyan to discuss their planned summit meeting later this year.

Civilian killed by landmine on the ‘contact line’Representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are investigating a landmine explosion on the ‘contact line’ that claimed the life of one civilian and wounded two others. The incident occurred on 6 October when Vezir Aliyev, Khagani Maharramov and Ali Aliyev crossed into the occupied Ashaghi Askipara village of the Gazakh region to find some lost cattle and hit a mine. Vezir Aliyev was killed, and his two friends were injured and hospitalised.

ICG recognises the Karabakh tinderbox

Speaking to the Voice of America, James Warlick, the newly-appointed US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, has stated that peace is in the interests of both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides. He said: “It is nearly 20 years since the ceasefire, and the message from the political leadership and others is that the time has come to find settlement. All the sides are committed to peaceful resolution, and no-one wants the outcome to be a resumption of the conflict. That is the worst case – and we certainly do not want to see that kind of conflict again. I met President Aliyev, and I know that he is committed to peaceful settlement and I look forward to working with him on that. I look forward to working with all parties in finding a constructive way forward that can bring durable peace.”

Mr Warlick said that all parties should prepare their populations for peace, not war. He commented: “It is a difficult mission to prepare the population at the present time, as there is no durable settlement. We need to achieve a compromise, and political will from both sides is needed to move forward in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. All parties need to be prepared to accept compromises.”

He also outlined the ongoing situation in the region: “I had an opportunity to travel with the OSCE to the ‘contact line.’ There is tension, and I think we must prevent active hostilities from breaking out. There are incidents on a regular basis, and people are killed in these hostilities.”

Collective will for peace according to Warlick


Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict 13

According to Azerbaijani government figures, in excess of AZN4.3bn (£3.4bn) has been spent over the past 20 years on accommodating the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees who are the ongoing casualties of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Around 46.5 per cent of these funds was allocated from the State Budget, 34.9 per cent came from the State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ), and 18.6 per cent was provided by international organisations. Government figures indicate that poverty levels

amongst Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees shrank from 75 per cent to 15 per cent from 2003–12.

The amount spent on improving the living conditions for IDPs and refugees has also grown considerably, rising from an annual outlay of AZN20m (£15.7m) in 2003 to AZN311.5m (£244.6m) in 2013. The highest expenditure level recorded to date – amounting to AZN352m (£276.4m) – was recorded in 2012.

An Azerbaijani IDP receives the title deed for her newly-constructed temporary accommoda-tion (Photo: Norwegian Refugee Council)

Speaking to the Trend news agency, James Appathurai, NATO Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, has spoken of the need for an end to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He stated: “Resolution of the conflict is very important, but it is possible only through political methods. Therefore, NATO supports the efforts of OSCE Minsk Group.”

When asked about the possible role of NATO, Mr Appathurai said it was pre-emptive to discuss the role of any organisation or country at a time when the two parties have not agreed upon the main principles for settlement. He commented: “It is clear that the ‘frozen conflict’ term does not adequately reflect the reality. Both parties often report on the violation of the ceasefire regime. There are frequent losses by the military and civilians.”

James Appathurai, NATO Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, acknowledged the urgent need for peace (Photo: NATO Photos)

Almost £3.4bn spent on rehousing IDPs and refugees

Speaking to TEAS, Vasilica Viorica Dăncilă MEP (Romania) – member of the delegation focusing on relations with Mashreq countries and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, amongst other roles – has strongly condemned the ongoing Armenian invasion of Azerbaijani territory. She said: “The occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding districts by the Armenian Armed Forces should be regarded as a violation of international law, including the UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993, which remain outstanding.”

Mrs Dăncilă went on to say that the Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees have the right to safely return to their homes. She commented: “Azerbaijan participates in the EU European Neighbourhood Policy, and remains interested in the creation of peaceful relations with EU partner countries. Resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is very important from the European perspective.”

She called for swift conflict resolution, and went on to recall the international condemnation of the unrecognised parliamentary and presidential elections in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Mrs Dăncilă said: “Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has repeatedly stated the illegitimacy of these ‘elections’. International law does not recognise Nagorno-Karabakh, and these elections strengthened our opinion about the inadmissibility of the current status quo. This situation concerns the EU.”

Her views were re-echoed by Kristiina Ojuland MEP (Estonia) who said to TEAS: “On many occasions in the European Parliament, several colleagues and myself have underlined that international law – and especially UN Security Council resolution nos. 822, 853, 874 and 844 of 1993 – must be respected. Armenia must commit to the international legal framework and therefore withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh.

“I have the impression that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still slightly underestimated by the international community. The EU won the Nobel Peace Prize last year and therefore it should be its moral duty to contribute towards a peaceful neighbourhood. The moment is there to fully implement the European Neighbourhood Policy and enhance the peace process in compliance with the international legal framework. Over the past few years, Azerbaijan has shown an increased openness to the West, including Europe.

“It is clear that the OSCE Minsk Group has not achieved any decisive breakthroughs in solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU can increase its legitimacy if it takes a seat within it as one common actor, representing 27 countries. In the meantime, the continued presence of a EU Special Representative in the South Caucasus is a sign that Europe is committed about the region and realises that it is very interesting on a geostrategic level.”

MEPs demand an end to the Armenian occupation

NATO seeks swift conflict resolution


Top-notch speakers’ roster for TEAS Business Forum London

14 Business News

Alastair Cook, Vice-President, Shah Deniz Development, BP, was a leading speaker at the TEAS Business Forum London in 2012

The programme is coming together for this year’s TEAS Business Forum London, which takes place on 5 November at No.4 Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7BQ. Attended by a wide range of investors, policy-makers, bankers, journalists, analysts, NGO and government representatives, the event is intended to bring attendees up to speed on the main economic opportunities presented by Azerbaijan.

Topics will include agribusiness, infrastructure development, regional energy issues, and the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector. The current line-up includes:

• Christopher Pincher MP, Member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and Secretary of the Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)

• Neil McKain, Head of Azerbaijan Resident Office, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

• Ilham Aliyev, Deputy Executive Director, Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC)

• Lin O’Grady, Deputy Director for Municipal and Environmental Infrastructure, EBRD

• Samir Gasimov, Director, Legal and International Relations

Department and Member of the Management Board, Akkord Industry Construction

• Charles Hendry MP, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

• Rufat Afandiyev, Director, UK Representative Office, State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR)

• Alastair Cook, Vice-President, Shah Deniz Development, BP• Natig Madatov, Executive Director, Azerbaijan Export and

Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO)• Javanshir Feyziyev MP, Member of the Committee on Foreign

and Interparliamentary Relations, Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament)

• Rashad Majidov, Director, International Co-operation Department, Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture

• Tale Heydarov, Chairman and Founder, TEAS.

The latter half of the day will be dedicated to business-to-business (B2B) meetings between delegates and companies who are already active in Azerbaijan. Attendance is free – simply register at http://teas.eu/teas-business-forum-london-2013-register. Questions and enquiries about sponsorship and B2B meeting registration should be e-mailed to [email protected].

In an interview with the APA news agency, H.E. Irfan Saddiq, the newly-appointed UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has provided a valuable insight into the current state of relations between the countries. When questioned about UK activity in the non-oil sector, he said: “There are over 400 British businesses active in Azerbaijan, and many of these are in non-energy sectors, such as construction, retail and ICT.”

Ambassador Siddiq said: “During the last seven months of 2013, UK exports to Azerbaijan amounted to £233m, whilst imports from Azerbaijan were £102m. UK exports increased by 62 per cent, when compared to 2012 figures. The UK continues to be the largest single investor in Azerbaijan, accounting for around half of Azerbaijani overall foreign direct investment (FDI).” He estimated that over 4000 UK citizens are now resident in Azerbaijan.

Latest figures from the UK Ambassador

Azerbaijan has finalised agreements to sell over 10bn m3 (bcm) of gas per year from the Shah Deniz II development in the Caspian Sea to 10 EU-based companies. The 25-year purchasing contracts were signed with Shell (Netherlands), Bulgargas (Bulgaria), Gas Natural Fenosa (Spain), DEPA (Greece), E.ON (Germany), GDF Suez (France), Hera Trading (Italy), AXPO (Switzerland) and Enel (Italy).

Shah Deniz II will produce 16bcm of gas a year after 2018. Of this, 6bcm will be exported to Turkey, with 10bcm going to the EU. It will then be delivered to European markets via the existing Baku–Tbilisi–Erzurum (BTE) pipeline and the planned Trans-Anatolian Pipeline

(TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

Gordon Birrell, Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, BP, commented: “After many years of joint efforts, we are very pleased by this outcome that brings us closer to a final investment decision on the Shah Deniz II project. In a few years, when the Shah Deniz Consortium delivers the first gas some 4,000km away into Europe, through a series of interlinked pipelines, Azerbaijan’s vision of a Southern Energy Corridor will become a reality. I believe the strong demand for Shah Deniz gas in Europe makes us confident about the long-term development of Azerbaijan’s gas resources.”

Landmark Shah Deniz II deals signed with European buyers


Azerbaijani President Aliyev has opened the new Baku Shipyard, jointly developed by the Singaporean company Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) and the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC). Lee Yi Shyan, Singaporean Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry also attended the inauguration ceremony.

The new 62ha. yard in Baku will be used to construct a wide range of specialised vessels and merchant ships, including subsea vessels, anchor handling tugs, supply vessels and multi-purpose offshore support vessels. The yard is equipped with ship repair and conversion capabilities. The development of Baku Shipyard has added to Keppel’s existing footprint in Azerbaijan, where it has operated the Caspian Shipyard Company (CSC), also a joint

venture between Keppel O&M and SOCAR, since 1997.

Keppel O&M currently holds a 10 per cent share in the new yard, whilst SOCAR and AIC own the remaining 65 and 25 per cent, respectively. Keppel O&M will be responsible for the management and operation of the yard. Phase 1 was constructed at an estimated cost of $470m (£290m). When operating at full capacity, it will be able to undertake up to 100 repairs and conversions per annum, using an average of 25,000 tonnes of steel. Plans for Phase 2 include the construction of a dry dock, incorporating facilities for offshore projects. The yard has already undertaken discussions regarding several potential new projects in advance of its opening, and received two contracts worth about $50m (£30.8m).

15Business News

The new Baku Shipyard is a world-class facility

Baku Shipyard opens and already receives its first orders

US continues to support WTO accessionH.E. Richard Morningstar, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has reiterated US support for Azerbaijani accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He made the comments during an event dedicated to the completion of the $22m (£13.8m) Competition and Trade in Azerbaijan project. This was co-financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Azerbaijani government, and focused on development of the private and public sectors to achieve progress in such areas as competition, taxes, banking, job creation and increasing funding opportunities for agricultural producers.

Ambassador Morningstar said: “The US strongly supports

Azerbaijan’s accession to the WTO, and believes that negotiations will be completed in the near future. Azerbaijan’s accession will contribute towards development of the non-oil sector of its economy, which is a priority of the Azerbaijani government.” He also thanked the Azerbaijani government for its participation in financing joint projects.

Mahmud Mammadguliyev, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister, acknowledged the support of the US towards achieving WTO membership, and expressed his hope that the parties would sign an agreement on a new project before the next round of WTO negotiations in late October or early November.

H.E. Irfan Siddiq, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has pledged to upscale links between the UK and expanding Azerbaijani ICT sectors. The statement was made during a meeting with Ali Abbasov, Azerbaijani ICT Minister, on the sidelines of the Bakutel 2013 conference. Mr Abbasov acknowledged the role of British consultants in the development and launch of Azerspace–1, the first Azerbaijani communications satellite, which lifted off earlier this year. He also spoke of the longstanding links with BT, the British-based telecommunications company, which ranks amongst the largest in the world.

Ambassador Siddiq praised the concept of 2013 as the Year of ICT in Azerbaijan and stated UK interest in expanding relations in this sector, following successful co-operation in the energy industry. Azerbaijan achieved 10.5 per cent growth in the ICT sector during the first half of 2013, with AZN71.2m (£56.3m) having been invested, to date.

Ambassador Siddiq (right) and Ali Abassov, Azerbaijani ICT Minister, outlined plans for closer collaboration in the ICT sector (Photo: Azerbaijani ICT Minstry)

Expanding the ICT connection with the UK


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