President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by European Commissioner for Budget & Human Resources Günther Oettinger.

The head of state recalled his previous meetings with Günther Oettinger in Baku and during various international events.

President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of the inauguration of the Southern Gas Corridor, and noted that it is of great importance in terms of Azerbaijan`s ensuring European energy security. The President hailed the support of the European Union and contribution of Günther Oettinger to the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Günther Oettinger extended greetings of President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker to the head of state. He also wished the head of state success in his new presidential term, and extended his congratulations on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the inauguration of the Southern Gas Corridor. Günther Oettinger recalled his previous fruitful meetings with President Ilham Aliyev. Touching upon the importance of the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor, Günther Oettinger described it as a very important event and noted the significance of this corridor in terms of connecting Azerbaijan and the region with Europe. He said that the Southern Gas Corridor is of global importance and the implementation of this corridor will stimulate the development of transport, agriculture, ICT and tourism sectors in Azerbaijan and the region. Günther Oettinger expressed his confidence that the European Commission will continue to support Azerbaijan`s global and regional projects, which will link the European Union with other regions of the world.

They expressed hope that talks on a new partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union will end successfully soon and cover cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian, cultural and all other fields. They noted the fruitful cooperation with the European Union in the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor, and exchanged views over the issues related to energy, investment, establishment and development of transport corridors and increasing trade.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings of Jean-Claude Juncker and asked Günther Oettinger to extend his greetings to the President of the European Commission.