Baku News

17 March 2008 - APA News - Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy, has today met with a delegation led by Christos Folias, Minister of Development of the Hellenic Republic. The meeting focused on the energy and economic issues, including deliver of the Caspian oil and natural gas to Europe, as well as Greece. Azeri minister said his country intends to contribute more to the energy security in Europe. “Azerbaijan produced 43.7 million tons of oil last year. Our plan to produce 52 million tons in total for 2008 is on target. The figure will be 65 million tons next year,” he added. Natig Aliyev also said that Azerbaijan has exported natural gas to Georgia and Turkey. Greek minister expressed his country’s interest in importation of natural gas from Azerbaijan. The two ministers also discussed a number of other issues of mutual concern. The meeting concluded with a final protocol. Christos Folias is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister Artur Rasi-zadeh, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Economic Development Minister Heydar Babayev, Finance Minister Samir Sharifov and SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev. He is also expected to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Christos Folias is accompanied by Secretary General of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine Yiannis Tzoanos, president of the National Council on Energy Strategy (SEES) Raphael Moisis, DEPA managing director Asimakis Papageorgiou, ational Centre for Renewable Energy (CRES) president Yannis Agapitidis, Hellenic Food Authority Officer Evangelos Lazos and other officials.