On June 1st, at the opening of the 23rd International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, Ilham Aliyev addressed his audience with the following words:
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We recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence. Throughout these many years, our country has shown that it is capable and worth of an independent and fruitful existence.”
The Head of State went on to say that 2016 had been a year of trials for many oil – producing nations, including Azerbaijan: “…[we] are successfully passing through these trials. 2016 must be a year of stabilization; the year to come, however, will be a year of enrichment and plenty. Every year the economy is expanding, a new age has truly begun. And all of this only because of our capability to pass through challenges, and to emerge stronger from them.”
The president further informed the public that one of the main goals of the year was the continued implementation of social – welfare projects: “Pensions are being increased by 10% and all social projects are being implemented. The falling of oil prices was a new kind of test for us. However, foreign investors believe in and trust us — we have won for ourselves a good reputation.”
Aliyev noted that the congratulatory remarks of the US President and the UK’s Prime Minister on the opening of the exhibition “points to its [the exhibition’s] great importance and significance.”
