Culture | Public Affairs Business | Philanthropy
(Photo: Andrew Wiard)
70 YEARS SINCE THE VICTORY OVER FASCISM – AZERBAIJAN’S CONTRIBUTION REMEMBERED Also in this issue: Countdown to Baku2015 French President Hollande in Baku Azerbaijani–EU relations further develop Cultural exchange at the Sorbonne Dutch–Azerbaijani business relations to the fore 05 / 2015
Please see inside for how to win £100 of Amazon vouchers
5 / 2015
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Welcome to the TEAS Magazine The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) is a UK-registered pan-European foundation 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 districts 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 opinionformers, 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 produces films • Facilitates fact-finding trips by politicians and business people.
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TEAS 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
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Membership and Sponsorship
TEAS 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: membership@teas.eu.
Win £100 of Amazon vouchers!
Firstly, congratulations to Shami Abdullayev, who won the competition in the April issue issue of the TEAS Magazine. To stand a chance of winning £100 of Amazon vouchers, simply answer the following five questions, the answers to which will be found in this issue of the magazine. In the case of a tie, a draw will be made. Previous winners are ineligible to enter, as are TEAS employees and their families. Please send all entries to editor@teas.eu by 17.00hrs (GMT) on 1 June. 1. How many Azerbaijanis were killed during the Great Patriotic War? 2. Which French company has manufactured the new carriages for the Baku metro? 3. What is the title of Renara Akhoundova’s new album? 4. Where did the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meet the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers? 5. In which taekwondo competition in Baku did Jade Jones previously compete?
Upcoming Events For full details of all TEAS events, go to www.teas.eu/upcoming events 27 May – Book launch: The Orphan Sky by Ella Leya (London). Fifth View, Waterstone’s Piccadilly, 203–206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD. Admission free. RSVP at http://bit.ly/ellaleya. The UK launch of The Orphan Sky – a debut novel by Hollywood composer/singer and Baku native Ella Leya – will be hosted at the Fifth View of Waterstone’s flagship store in Piccadilly. Set in 1979 Soviet-era Azerbaijan, the book tells the story of Leila, a piano prodigy, who is asked to spy on a music shop run by Tahir, a Bohemian artist, who is suspected of being an American spy. A question-and-answer session, book signing and light refreshments will follow the presentation by Ella Leya. 27 May – Emil Afrasiyab Quartet in Concert (Reims). L’Affiche, 110, avenue Jean Jaurès, 51100 Reims, France. 20.30hrs. To book tickets, go to http://bit.ly/emilsunnyside. Showcasing Azerbaijani jazz pianist Emil Afrasiyab, this TEAS-supported concert forms part of the Sunnyside Jazz Festival. Performing alongside Alexandre Madeline (saxophone), Antoine Katz (bass) and Raphaël Pannier (drums), he will demonstrate the remarkable technique and virtuosity that won him the Public Prize in the Solo Jazz Piano competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2011. The Eric Legnini Trio will perform during the second half of the concert. 29 May – Emil Afrasiyab Quartet at the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris). Maison des Cultures du Monde, 101 boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris, France. 20.30hrs. To book tickets, go to http://bit.ly/emilstgermain. For the second consecutive year, TEAS is sponsoring a concert at this renowned Parisian jazz festival. The Aldo Romano Trio will perform during the second half of the concert. 5–28 June – Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus (Paris). CNOSF, Maison du sport français, 1, avenue de Pierre du Coubertin, 75640, Paris, France. 10.00–17.00hrs. Admission Free. Seven days prior to the opening of the inaugural European Games in Baku, we showcase 65 stunning sporting images from around the world submitted for a TEAS competition. 8 June – Les Traditions en mode classique (Paris). Amphithéâtre Richelieu, 17, rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 Paris, France. 20.30hrs. Admission Free, but RSVP at agenda-culturel@paris-sorbonne.fr. Organised by the Cultural Service of the Sorbonne University, in conjunction with TEAS France, this concert will feature pianist Saida Zulfugarova and Sahib Pasha-Zadeh, foremost exponent of the Azerbaijani tar, performing gems of Azerbaijani and European classical music. 7 September – Emil Afrasiyab Quartet at the opening concert for the Festival de Jazz de Colmar. Salle des Spectacles Europe, 13, rue d’Amsterdam, 68000 Colmar, France. 20hrs. To book tickets, go to http://www.colmar.fr/festival-jazz-colmar. This TEAS-supported concert will be broadcast on local television channel www.tv7.fr.
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Politics and News
03
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
From the TEAS Director
After three years of preparations, Baku is set to welcome more than 6000 athletes from 50 countries to the Baku2015 European Games, which will run from 12–28 June. The decision to host the Games emphasises Azerbaijan’s westward-facing, multi-confessional, multicultural stance, bringing together all people under the common interest of sport. The extensive television coverage will put Azerbaijan on the map for many sports fans, and presentations on the Games have taken place at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London and in the European Parliament in Brussels. The Games also inspired TEAS to launch the Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus photographic competition. The success of this initiative recently attracted plaudits from Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, Baku European Games Operations Committee. We are also delighted to publish an interview that I undertook with Jade Jones, one of the leading lights of Team GB, who will bring her Olympic gold medal-winning taekwondo skills to Baku2015. The 70 th anniversary of the victory over Fascism has recently been commemorated across Europe, and TEAS participated in a solemn ceremony at the Soviet War Memorial to commemorate the approximately 300,000 Azerbaijanis who sacrificed their lives. This was a huge proportion of a population that numbered just 4.5m at this time. However, another war – the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh – remains unresolved. More than 4500 Azerbaijanis remain missing from the conflict, and pressure is being placed on Armenia to reveal information on their fate. Armenia remains belligerent, and recently a group of Azerbaijanis protested outside the Armenian Embassy to raise awareness of the plight of Dilham Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, two Azerbaijanis illegally taken hostage in Nagorno-Karabakh by the occupying Armenian forces. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS
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Lord Kilclooney pays his respects to the Azerbaijani war dead
70 th anniversary of victory over Nazism commemorated On 8 May – one day before Victory Day – the Azerbaijani contribution to the defeat of Fascism was commemorated at the Soviet War Memorial by the Imperial War Museum in London. Wreaths were laid by Lieutenant-Colonel Vugar Ahmadov, Azerbaijani Defence Attaché to the UK; H.E. Tahir Taghizadeh, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK; Lord Kilclooney; Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager, TEAS; and Orkhan Amashov, TEAS. During the Great Patriotic War (1941–45), Azerbaijan supplied 80 per cent of all fuel for the Soviet Union, which led Vasily Istratov, former Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, to comment: “There wouldn’t be any victory in the Great Patriotic War without the natural resources of Azerbaijan.” Altogether 681,000 Azerbaijanis served in the war, of which around 300,000 were killed. A total of 128 Azerbaijanis were also conferred with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus receives plaudits from Baku2015 European Games mastermind Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer, Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) – and formerly Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association in its successful bid to win the London 2012 Olympics – has warmly endorsed the Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus exhibition. This TEAS initiative comprises 65 photos, selected from more than 300 submissions to the photography competition of the same name.
To date, these stunning images – submitted by more than 50 photographers from 10
countries – have been exhibited at the gallery@OXO on London’s South Bank and Musée National du Sport in Nice and at the Maastricht School of Management, and the exhibition is continuing its tour of Europe. Received on 8 April, the letter from Mr Clegg reads: “I am glad that the competition has been successfully accomplished and your Society is organising exhibitions of the selected photos across Europe. “Thank you for all the hard work of your Society in raising the profile of Azerbaijan and the European Games in Baku.”
Baku2015 presented in London The forthcoming Baku2015 European Games have been acclaimed during a prestigious ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London, jointly organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and BEGOC, with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy to the UK. Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports, spoke about the preparations for the Games, which have necessitated the construction of 20 stadia and arenas in four venues across the city. He noted that Azerbaijan had hosted 36 international competitions since 2002. Following this, various videos associated with the Baku2015 European Games were screened. www.teas.eu
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Politics and News
President Hollande thanked for Nagorno-Karabakh mediation
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had a meeting with French President François Hollande in Baku, during which he thanked his French counterpart for his active mediation in the process of resolving the ongoing Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
In October 2014, President Hollande organised a meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Paris, where the two leaders pledged to continue efforts to reach a negotiated solution. During their meeting, the two presidents also discussed other regional and international matters, including preparations for the forthcoming EU Eastern Partnership summit in Riga from 21–22 May, an EU initiative launched in 2009 that governs EU relations with the postSoviet states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Azerbaijan supplies oil to France and is its main trading partner in the Caucasus region.
The strength of Azerbaijani–French political and economic dialogue was acknowledged during the presidential meeting
The Presidential meeting culminated with the signing of a protocol of intent between the Azerbaijani Education Ministry and
the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research on the establishment of an Azerbaijani–French University.
Azercosmos to provide satellite support for Baku2015 The Baku European Games Operations Committee (BEGOC) has appointed Azercosmos as an Official Supporter and Official Satellite Services Provider for the Baku2015 European Games, thus becoming the 11th Official Supporter of the Games. It will play a key role in transmitting the exciting images of the event to billions of television viewers across Europe and the globe. The company will also provide a Satellite News Gathering (SNG) truck in order to relay the coverage from Mingachevir, which will host the Canoe Sprint competition, to the International Broadcasting Centre in Baku. Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports and Chief
Executive Officer of Baku2015, commented: “Azercosmos is a greatly admired and respected company in Azerbaijan, and will play a very important role in the international transmission of the European Games to our 74 broadcast rights holders around the world.” Azercosmos is the only satellite operator in the Caucasus region, and provides highly reliable satellite-based communication services to private and government customers for Direct-to-Home (DTH), voice, video, data and mobility applications. Azercosmos joins Azersun Holding, Bazar Store, McDonald’s Azerbaijan, Milla, Motorola Solutions, NAZ, Nestlé, Red Bull, Sitecore and Tickethour as Official Supporters of Baku2015.
Baku2015 presentation held in the European Parliament A ceremony to present the forthcoming Baku2015 European Games has taken place at the European Parliament, according to the Azerbaijani Embassies in Belgium and Luxembourg. The initiator of the event was Ilhan Kyuchyuk, a Bulgarian EU deputy. The ceremony was attended by a delegation headed by Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports; Mark Tarabella, Head, Intersport Group and members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, members of political parties, representatives of European institutions, and media outlets, together with diplomats accredited in Brussels.
Mr Rahimov spoke of the preparations currently underway for Baku2015, and Chris Kendall, a representative of the European External Action Service, spoke about Azerbaijani–EU relations, noting the significance of hosting the Games for Azerbaijan. The event then continued with discussions, during which Mr Rahimov also commented on the hosting of the fourth Islamic Solidarity Games from 23 June–2 July and the positive impact of organising international sports events on Azerbaijani society and in raising awareness of the country. Considerable interest was demonstrated in the 20 stadia and arenas that have been constructed across Azerbaijan to host the Games.
UK Labour protection model to be followed Salim Muslimov, Azerbaijani Labour and Social Protection Minister, has received H.E. Irfan Siddiq, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan. During the meeting, Mr Muslimov spoke of the reforms currently underway to improve the level of labour and social protection, regulate the labour market and to create a social security system.
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Mr Muslimov said: “I believe there are many opportunities to exchange experience in the field of labour and social protection as developed in a country such as the UK. The Labour and Social Protection Ministry has prepared a draft model co-operation agreement in the field of labour, and this has been sent to the relevant ministries in
the UK and other countries.” Ambassador Irfan Siddiq replied that the UK government noted the dynamic economic growth of Azerbaijan and the importance of future co-operation in the spheres of labour, employment and social security.
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Politics and News
05
Bryza: no need for further US assistance to Azerbaijan
Matthew Bryza, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, former Deputy Assistant US Secretary of State for the South Caucasus and currently director of the International Centre for Defence Studies in Tallinn, has commented that the Azerbaijani authorities have improved the economic situation in the country to the extent that US assistance is no longer necessary. The comments were made following the decision by the US government to reduce financial assistance to Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. According to Trend News, he stated: “The assistance provided by the US, following the Soviet collapse, was not intended to last forever. Its purpose was to assist the country in making the transition from the Soviet system to the free market, and this has been achieved by Azerbaijan. Consequently, there is no longer need for this assistance.” Mr Bryza continued: “US assistance to Azerbaijan and Armenia has not focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but has focused on other elements, such as developing a market economy and training young people so they are able to operate within the international system. In
Matthew Bryza outlined the extent of Azerbaijani economic success since gaining independence
terms of reduction of assistance, other problems have a direct impact on US security, such as ISIS and Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.” He concluded: “There is a limited amount of money available, and there are some very big problems that threaten US security and US citizens. I would not interpret this move as indicating that Azerbaijan, or the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, are no longer priorities for the US. I would say there are bigger problems for the US itself, and a limited amount of money is available.”
Progress in EU–Azerbaijani cooperation Speaking in Luxembourg during the EU Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, commented: “Despite persistant security challenges, the post-Vilnius period has registered considerable progress in Azerbaijan–EU bilateral co-operation.” Mr Mammadyarov noted that strategic partnership in the energy sector had evolved considerably following implementation of the steps taken by Azerbaijan in the realisation of the Southern Energy Corridor. He continued: “The groundbreaking ceremonies for the Southern Energy Corridor in Baku and the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) in Kars, Turkey, were clear manifestations of Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to bringing alternative gas volumes to the European market. Upon the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, with the support of Maroš Šefčovič, VicePresident of the European Commission on Energy Union, the first meeting of the Southern Energy Corridor Advisory Council took place in Baku on 12 February 2015. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Turkey very soon.” He explained that Azerbaijan shares the dedication of the EU towards increasing its focus on the specific areas of co-operation that partner countries wish to develop. He explained: “It is in the interests of Azerbaijan to promote economic development, energy, connectivity (transportation, ICT and the common aviation area), migration and mobility in co-operation with the EU. Meanwhile, taking note of the EU’s ambition to promote religious dialogue
Attendees at the EU Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting included Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister (first row, third from right) and Edward Nalbandian, his Armenian counterpart (fourth from left)
and cultural diversity in the EU Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) area, Azerbaijan is extremely keen to share its expertise in welcoming a lively multicultural environment. “Azerbaijan believes that this flexibility will be exercised easily, once both parties manage to fulfil the requirements of previous key pillars. ENP history has demonstrated that the difficulties of adapting EU policy towards partners stemmed from the persistent ‘one-size fits all’ policy, the miscalculation of individual needs, and the necessity of imposing extreme interdependency between values and interests. Taking all these factors into consideration, Azerbaijan reiterates its interest in EU–Azerbaijani co-operation within the spirit of strategic partnership.”
New French-made metro trains put into operation
New Baku Metro trains will come into operation during the next few days. The contract with the French company Alstom covers the purchase by the Baku Metro Company of three five-car trains, of which two have already been delivered to Baku. The design of the new trains differs considerably to that of their predecessors.
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They have greater capacity, due to the use of cross-linking carriages, and are airconditioned and equipped with surveillance cameras. The new trains are also configured to meet the needs of disabled people. Nasimi Pashayev, Head of the Press and Public Relations Department, Baku Metro Company, commented that further
trains would be purchased in the future. He also explained that the development of a diagnostics complex would serve to increase the security, accuracy, and passenger transportation capacity of the Baku Metro. This will automatically control and govern train speeds, and every problem will be registered and analysed using inbuilt integrated video and computer systems.
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Personalities – Renara Akhoundova
Renara Akhoundova – peace and joy through music Renara Akhoundova was born in Baku, and grew up amidst a family of intellectuals in a culturally mixed environment – Russian culture combined with that of her native country. Renara debuted on the piano at the age of three years and showed exceptional musical talent from the start. She began her serious musical training at the Baku Academy of Music, where she studied for 11 years, and discovered a talent and special taste for improvisation. However, at the end of her studies, she decided not to continue music, and entered the University of Economics and Political Science in Moscow. Following her graduation in 1990, Renara flew to Paris. In 2002, she went through an extremely difficult period and began to consider abandoning music again once again. However, her salvation was the discovery of the theories of the celebrated American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, who developed the ‘Nonviolent Communication’ process. Whilst attending one of Rosenberg’s workshops, Renara met the director Michel van Bellinghen and was subsequently commissioned to compose music for the documentary film Impressions d’Architecture about the Belgian architect André Jacqmain. Soon after, she recorded Marshall, her first album of self-penned compositions. In June 2005, Paul de Sennevile, composer of almost all the romantic music for pianist Richard Clayderman, contacted Renara. He offered to sign her with his recording studio, Delphine Productions, and since that time she has recorded nine albums. In recent years, Renara has performed on numerous occasions in Russia, Latvia, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, Austria, Germany, Kuwait and Palestine. Renara has also frequently spoken about the virtues of music at conferences, such as the Forum for Peace, and those organised by the Swiss Education for Peace Foundation. Her music has also been used on the soundtrack to many documentary films focusing on universal spiritual values.
Renara sublime pianistic skills are showcased on Love and Gratitude, her first commercial album
Celebrate God in your Hearts. She recently participated in the Khojaly Commemoration Concert in Strasbourg, organised by TEAS, under the auspices of the Justice for Khojaly campaign. Neil Watson caught up with Renara during her visit to London: After nine self-produced albums, you have now recorded Love and Gratitude, your first commercial album. Why did you decide to record it at this time? I recorded the new album in April 2014 just before departing to give a series of concerts in Jerusalem. This compilation comprises my own compositions, all of which were featured on earlier albums, but they were re-recorded as I now play in a different style. I selected pieces from each album, added one improvisation and one new piece, and developed this compilation entitled Love and Gratitude, my sixth album having been entitled Gratitude and my ninth being called Love. I felt it was time for this compilation, being the first commercial album on Gratitudes, my own label. I will be giving a series of concerts to support the album, starting in Tallinn, the city where I gave my first public concert, followed by Moscow, Paris, London, Kuwait, US and some other places which are currently under discussion. All those who would like to support my project will have chance to do so, and the marketing team is now working on this. All the information can be found at www.renara-akhoundova.com. To achieve sucessful distribution of my album, I need one international partner. I realise that people will only want to attend my concerts if they hear my music, and I need a commercial album that is readily available and could receive radio airplay. It was very important to have a finalised, professional product on my own label.
Renara’s music has a profound emotional impact
She has collaborated with the Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov, Spiritual Father of the Moscow New St. Alexis Monastery. This unusual form of communication between a priest and a musician had a strong impact on listeners, reaching their inner depths, and inspired the 2010 album Prayer and a concert film entitled
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What was the response to your concert in Jerusalem? The response was very warm indeed, particularly for the meditative improvisation where I channel the thoughts, energy and emotions of that audience. I felt the emotions were very deep and I received some excellent feedback. It really felt that the audience understood me. I make myself open to their energy, and we co-create the music. I feel the vibrations of the audience, and
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Personalities – Renara Akhoundova
07
these are chanelled into my music, which is also based around vibrations. I would tell any child who is studying music to make themselves available to the energies surrounding them, not to be afraid of making mistakes, and to play with their heart and soul, avoiding mental involvement. Like a painter or any other artist, it is initially necesssary to have technical ability, and then these energies can be chanelled and make an impact. Musicians and all other artists should learn such techniques from childhood. They initially focus on studying classical scales, yet they are also blessed with freedom. This freedom transmutes the fear of performance, and helps on the stage and during exams. It was important to play in Jerusalem as I want to contribute towards the development of peace, particularly in conflict situations, such as those in Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, and Nagorno-Karabakh. I see a world in which fear and ego are closely related. How did your early life in Baku affect your performance style and philosophy of music? I was most fortunate to be born in the cosmopolitan city of Baku, where I was raised with a double culture – my father was immersed in Islam, whereas my grandparents had Russian Orthodox traditions. People are very easily manipulated by fear, distrust and misinformation. The contemporary media does not provide a source of truth – in fact, love is the only source of truth. We all came to this world to experience love for the soul, and it is extremely sad to see what is happening in the world. The purpose of art is to touch the heart and soul. Honest art comes from deep inside the artist, where nothing is requested in exchange. The artist should always seek to offer their art, regardless if payment is offered. Instrumental music touches everyone, as there is no verbal information. For the first time, I recently gave some concerts in very small villages across rural France, and received some interesting feedback from audiences who had never previously heard the piano. Discovering a new audience that was totally attuned to my music was wonderful. I believe the audience feels my honesty – they enter the concert knowing nothing of my work. Then they gradually stop thinking about themselves and become more open. This is what happened in Jerusalem, when people heard me for the
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Renara’s spiritual connection with her audience was evident during the Khojaly Commemoration Concert in Strasbourg
first time. The audience was from across the world, and included British, American, Palestinian, Russian and Azerbaijani people. I was aware that there are no borders. One of the main challenges in marketing your music is that it is very difficult to classify, as it is solely your own compositions – not standard classical repertoire, nor jazz, nor solely improvised. How would you describe your music? There are no boundaries in my approach to music. When people ask the country I am from, I reply: “How I can explain the smell of a rose? You have to smell the rose, to understand.” I am not looking to prove anything, nor look for something – through improvisation, I just wish to share that which has really touched me and my own experiences. I now undertake two or three improvisations in each concert. Previously, this only took place at the end of the concert, but now I incorporate the improvisations from the outset. This is because I feel there is greater trust and connection between the audience and myself. My music even speaks to people who do not normally attend classical concerts. In virtually every concert, I ask the audience to connect with their mother and father, because they are second only after God. We all have relationships of various types with our parents. These can be very delicate, yet very strong, but we must firstly harness the free energy from the ancestors on both the paternal and maternal side. It is impossible to be happy unless you are connected to the ancestors of both parents, as they have all contributed towards your existence. Every person in the audience has their own history, religion, and origins. During the past year, I have felt the importance of connecting with past generations, and this has become apparent during my improvisations. My roots are from Azerbaijan and Russia, and completely mixed.
Do you feel it was the correct decision to stop performing the classical repertoire and to focus on your own compositions? I felt it was necessary to remain focused and to develop one real product from myself. I was initially performing standard classical music, but there are many classical pianists, and I felt my vocation was to perform my own music and become free. I had to succeed in the face of my fears and the part of my ego that brought about these fears. Are you still giving concerts alongside Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov, Spiritual Father of the Moscow New St. Alexis Monastery? Archpriest Vladimirov is currently very distraught about the crisis in Ukraine. Like many Russians, he has relatives in Ukraine. I would like to give a concert in Ukraine that is devoid of any political ideas, the focus of which would be to develop compassion. We all need to take into account the concepts of Marshall Rosenberg regarding Non Violent Communication. If we teach children Non violence at schools, it will help us find peace with ourselves, neighbours and friends, and to avoid nationalism. I can’t change people in Iraq, Palestine, or Ukraine, but I can be attentive to myself and work on my attitude all the time. This is my responsibility – for every thought, word, and action brings light or darkness. I hope that my music brings light to audiences and listeners.
Renara Akhoundova recently gave a concert at Rossotrudnichestvo in London to commemorate the 175 th anniversary of the birth of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. To see her perform Prince Alexander Dadiani – King of Hearts and Meeting with the Master go to http://bit.ly/renararosso. For more information on Renara Akhoundova and to hear her music go to www.renara-akhoundova.com.
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08
Culture
Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus comes to the French National Museum of Sport in Nice
TEAS France and the National Museum of Sport in Nice have inaugurated the photographic exhibition Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus, organised with the support of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and Baku2015 European Games Organising Committee (BEGOC). During the opening of the exhibition, attended by politicians, diplomats, photographers, sports aficionados and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Nice, a total of 65 photos were showcased. These were selected from more than 300 submissions to the photography competition of the same name organised by TEAS. The evening began with an opening speech by Annie Lhéritier, President of the Board of the National Museum of Sport, who paid a moving tribute to the victims of the tragic helicopter crash that occurred two days earlier. This claimed the lives of sailor Florence Arthaud, boxer Alexis Vastine, and Olympic champion swimmer Camille Muffat. Gilles Veissière, Deputy Mayor of the City of Nice, in charge of Sport; Jean-Pierre Mougin, Vice-President, CNOSF; Marie-Laetitia Gourdin, Head, TEAS France and Nigar Huseynova, Adviser for Political Affairs, Azerbaijani Embassy in France, also took the floor to express their emotions and extend their condolences to the bereaved families. Then Ms Lhéritier expressed her delight at hosting this exhibition at the National Museum of Sport. This is the first museum in France to be dedicated to sports, and holds one of the most extensive collections of its kind in the world. Mr Veissière stressed his delight at the decision to organise this exhibition in the city of Nice. He commented: “I have had the opportunity to referee about 100 football games in international competitions around the world, but unfortunately never in Azerbaijan. I sincerely hope that the Baku2015 European Games will be an opportunity for me to discover Azerbaijan, and its capital Baku, which has much in common with the city of Nice.” Mr Mougin said: “France will send a delegation of around 270 athletes to the European Games. It is the second largest delegation behind Germany – a signal of the strong commitment
The exhibition of 65 photographs opened at this prestigious museum to wide acclaim
of France to these historic Games. The CNOSF is proud to be associated with TEAS and Baku2015 to promote the European Games in France through this exhibition, which will also be hosted in June at the CNOSF headquarters in Paris.” Mrs Gourdin explained: “These Games will be the first of their type in Europe, and this historic event will be held in Baku – the capital of the young and dynamic Azerbaijan – which is organising a highlevel international sports competition for the first time.” Mrs Gourdin went on to present second prizewinner Paul Robion with a certificate for his photograph entitled Ipanema – Rio de Janeiro. Mr Robion is a French photographer and filmmaker, based in Paris. She continued: “This stunning photograph is also emblematic of the link between the European Games and the Summer Olympics to be held in Rio, Brazil, in 2016. In fact, 12 of the sports in the European Games contribute towards qualification for the Rio Olympics.” Ms Huseynova said: “The practice of sport is a considered to be a way of promoting peace. It surpasses the limits of geographical borders and social classes. Sport is a powerful tool for promoting the ideals of brotherhood, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice. Sport has the capacity to unite people. I think this spirit is embodied in the TEAS photographic competition and has managed to develop two important elements – which are culture and sport – contributing to the strengthening of friendship and solidarity between peoples.” Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus is currently touring Europe, and will return to France, being exhibited in Paris at the CNOSF headquarters from 4–28 June, which includes the entire duration of the Games in Baku.
Ella Leya’s debut novel to be launched in London TEAS is organising the UK launch of The Orphan Sky – a debut novel by Hollywood composer/singer and Baku native Ella Leya – which will be hosted on 27 May at the Fifth View of Waterstone’s flagship bookshop at 203–206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HD. The event will comprise a presentation by Ella, a question-and-answer session, book signing and light refreshments. The Los Angeles Review of Books wrote: “Azerbaijan is the mesmerising setting for The Orphan Sky – the first novel about Azerbaijan to be published in the West since 1937’s Ali and Nino… The Orphan Sky is a timeless story of redemption and destiny, as authentic,
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disturbing and brilliant as The Kite Runner.”
Set in 1979 Soviet-era Azerbaijan, the book tells the story of Leila, a piano prodigy, who is asked to spy on a music shop run by Tahir, a Bohemian artist, who is suspected of being an American spy. Phantasmagorically blending Azerbaijani legends with Soviet paranoia, this new novel prompted Tracey Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, to describe it as: “a heady mix of Soviet politics, artistic temperament and historical destiny.” To RSVP, register at http://bit.ly/ellaleya.
Ella Leya’s albums have achieved considerable critical acclaim
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Culture
09
Cultural exchange at the Sorbonne
Students from the Azerbaijani University of Languages and Sorbonne University had an invaluable opportunity to meet and collaborate
From 7–14 April, a student delegation from the Azerbaijani University of Languages, accompanied by Vazeh Askerov, ViceRector of the University, visited Paris in order to undertake artistic exchange with students from Sorbonne University. They went on to participate in an arts festival, organised by the Sports and Physical Service of the Sorbonne (SUAPS), directed by Patrick Larguier. The exchange was supported by Mrs Virginie Serrano; Professor Samad Seyidov, Chair of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe (PACE) and Rector of the Azerbaijani University of Languages; and Professor Barthelemy Jobert, President of the Sorbonne University, and was initiated by leading Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova, a long-term Paris resident. The two universities went on to sign a convention, whereby there will be reciprocal student visits between the countries. The Azerbaijani students stayed with their French counterparts, and French audiences warmly received their performances of dance and music. On 9–10 April, books on Azerbaijani music, architecture, and
Painting with music
Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova and Italian violinist Elvira Di Bona will duet on a remarkable concert of new works on 1 June at Sorbonne University, 1, rue Victor Cousin, 75005 Paris. All were commissioned by the performers, inspired by artworks, and designed to operate as a musical and visual performance, uniting images, words and sounds as a seamless entity. The renowned Italian philosopher Robert Casati will introduce the evening and speak on the interaction between music and painting. The programme will include Mélancolie by acclaimed film score composer Pasquale Filasto, inspired by a work by Edvard Munch; Photo(,)synthesis, by Azerbaijani composer Turkar Gasimzada, encapsulating the spirit of photo realistic paintings by Gerhard Richter; and Visioni Simultanee by Germano Mazzocchetti, representing the works of Umberto Boccioni. The concert will culminate with Allegoria Sacra by Azerbaijani composer Elmir Mirzoev, where the two duettists will be accompanied by triangles, glockenspiel, Tibetan bells and sampled and electronic music, representing the artistic world of Giovanni Bellini (Giambellino). A question-and-answer session between the performers, composers and audience will follow the performance. Tickets are free, but should be booked at agenda-culturel@paris-sorbonne.fr.
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history were distributed, alongside CDs of Azerbaijani jazz, classical and mugham music, all of which were supplied by the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre in Paris. Professor Jobert went on to stress the importance of international contacts between students, and thanked Mrs Zulfugarova for her role in the project. It is expected that French students, accompanied by Mrs Serrano and Mrs Zulfugarova, will visit Baku from 9–16 June, coinciding with the start of the Baku2015 European Games, which will begin on 12 June.
Classical piano and tar – an effective combination
Classical piano and the Azerbaijani tar are to come together on 8 June for an intriguing concert organised by the Cultural Service of the Sorbonne University, in conjunction with TEAS France, at the Amphithéâtre Richelieu, 17, rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 Paris. The concert will feature pianist Saida Zulfugarova and Sahib Pasha-Zadeh, foremost exponent of the Azerbaijani tar, performing gems of Azerbaijani and European classical music. These two diverse instruments will perform duet arrangements of Astor Piazzolla’s languorous Oblivion, Georges Bizet’s evocative Carmen Overture and Monti’s exhilarating Czardas. They will also play some works from the Azerbaijani classical repertoire, including Farhad Badelbeyli’s Shusha and Ramiz Rzaev’s Chahargah Rhapsody. Mrs Zulfugarova will also perform Beethoven’s Sonata No.17 ‘The Tempest’ and Liszt’s Grande Etude Campanella. Free tickets should be booked at agenda-culturel@parissorbonne.fr.
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10
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Personalities – Aleksandras Brokas
13
London-based Azerbaijanis express their fury over hostages in Armenian captivity
On 18 April, a group of Azerbaijanis and supporters of international law demonstrated their solidarity with two innocent civilians taken hostage on their own homeland of Kelbajar – a region of Azerbaijan that has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for more than 20 years. Standing outside the Armenian Embassy in London, they held placards and chanted slogans, reminding bypassers that Nagorno-Karabakh remains Azerbaijani territory and demanding justice for Dilham Asgarov (aged 54) and Shahbaz Guliyev (aged 46 years). These
two Azerbaijanis were taken prisoner by Armenian forces in June 2014 when visiting their relatives’ graves. A third man – Hasan Hasanov (aged 38) – was shot dead. In December, an unrecognised court sentenced Dilham to life imprisonment and Shahbaz to 22 years in jail. Speaking to Azerbaijani television, Jack Pegoraro, UK Public Affairs Manager, TEAS, commented: “These men were tried by a kangaroo court set up by forces occupying their homeland. Given their age,
Hostage issue raised at PACE During her speech on the first day of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Spring Session, Ganira Pashayeva, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation, urged PACE to exert pressure on Armenia to release the Azerbaijani hostages Dilham Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev.
all international requests, together with numerous calls from our counterparts at the Council of Europe, there has been no progress since the last session and the two men remain as hostages. Their families expect support from PACE, and we urge it to step up efforts to achieve their release.”
Following a presentation by rapporteur Pedro Agramunt, Mrs Pashayeva explained: “Dilham Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev have been treated inhumanely. There were two Azerbaijanis taken hostage a few months ago by the separatist regime in the Azerbaijani lands occupied by Armenia, the independence of which remains unrecognised by any country, yet is backed by Armenia in defiance of all norms of international law. Despite
Mrs Pashayeva continued: “When joining the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to undertake their obligations towards resolution of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite the amount of time that has subsequently elapsed, no progress has been achieved, due to Armenia’s continual refusal to apply PACE resolution 1416 for many years. The Council of Europe should not neglect
The anger of the protesters was palpable
it is ludicrous to suggest they were anything other than civilians paying respect to their loved ones. We are here to demand the immediate release of these men, and the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories.”
this issue and must pressurise Armenia to fulfil its obligations. If it had enforced resolution 1416 in time, hundreds of civilian lives would have been saved. We therefore urge you to pay attention to this issue and hold discussions in this regard.”
Dilham Asgarov feels the strain of his ‘trial’
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meet Foreign Ministers in Paris The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – Igor Popov (Russian Federation), James Warlick (US), and Pierre Andrieu (France) travelled to Paris for separate meetings with Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, and Edward Nalbandian, his Armenian counterpart. Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, also participated in the meetings.
with French President François Hollande in Yerevan and Baku on 24–25 April. They stressed the importance of intensifying dialogue between the two Presidents, and the continued preparations for the next Presidential meeting. The Ministers agreed to dialogue with the Co-Chairs in order to determine the agenda for the Presidential discussions, and welcomed the forthcoming visit to the region by the Co-Chairs.
The Ministers reported on their meetings between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Saragsyan
The Co-Chairs also commented on the provocative nature of the so-called ‘parliamentary elections’, organised by
the illegal occupying Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh on 3 May. The Co-Chairs commented: “None of our three countries, nor any other country, recognise NagornoKarabakh as an independent and sovereign state. Accordingly, we do not accept the results of these ‘elections’ as affecting the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and stress that they in no way prejudge the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh, or the outcome of the ongoing negotiations to bring a lasting and peaceful settlement to the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.”
US Ambassador stresses the need for a Presidential meeting H.E. Robert Cekuta, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, has acknowledged the need for a meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan. During a visit to a settlement for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kelbajar, he acknowledged: “Although the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is
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called a ‘frozen’ conflict, in fact the reality is different. I exchanged dialogue with IDP families from Kelbajar, and realised that this is not an abstract conflict as it has ongoing humanitarian implications. Losses of life are recorded on the ‘contact line’ every day.” Ambassador
Cekuta
explained
that
the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are undertaking constant dialogue with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers. He said: “They are trying to arrange a meeting of the presidents. The main goal is to bring the parties together and achieve progress towards a peaceful solution to the conflict.”
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Personalities – AleksandrasConflict Brokas Nagorno-Karabakh
13 11
Baku urges Yerevan to reveal information on missing Azerbaijanis
The Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the OSCE has called for an agreement to investigate those registered as ‘missing’ due to the ongoing Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over NagornoKarabakh. The request was made during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council. The delegation called upon the OSCE Permanent Council to implement the agreement to exchange information on missing persons in the conflict zone, as agreed during the Paris Summit meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents in November 2014. The Mission stated: “The issue of missing persons ranks amongst the most serious humanitarian consequences of the NagornoKarabakh conflict, affecting the lives of thousands of persons. Many are still waiting for clarifying information on the whereabouts of their relatives.” According to the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, the fate of approximately 4,500 Azerbaijanis remains unknown. Official Baku has stated that implementation of this agreement is of “paramount importance in achieving a durable, peaceful solution to the Armenian– Azerbaijani conflict.” It continued: “We strongly believe that the OSCE has a special role to play in this regard. We reiterate our call on the Co-Chairs and the members of the OSCE Minsk Group to exercise more support towards facilitating the implementation of the Armenian–Azerbaijani agreement on missing persons.
The ancient city of Shusha remains devastated
“Moreover, on this issue, we encourage the Serbian Chairmanship of the OSCE to arrange consultations involving the parties to the conflict and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), together with the support of OSCE Minsk Group mediation.” James Warlick, US Co-Chair, OSCE Minsk Group, explained that implementation of the commitments taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan at the Paris Summit would determine the path towards conflict resolution. The Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons has estimated that damage to Azerbaijani territory by Armenian forces amounts to $300bn (£190.3bn).
Council of Europe sub-committee launched
The Council of Europe has established a special subcommittee to deal with the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh during the Spring Session of the PACE Monitoring Committee. Samad Seyidov, Head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, expressed his satisfaction, saying: “We are pleased with the decision by the PACE Monitoring Committee to create
a special sub-committee on the conflict. This means it will remain on the agenda for discussion.” He continued: “The majority of PACE Monitoring Committee members voted in favour of creating the sub-committee, although the Armenian representatives notably did not. In my previous speeches, I stressed the importance of creating a
A comprehensive peace agreement on the table Speaking at the sixth meeting of the EU Eastern Partnership Foreign Minsters in Luxembourg, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, commented: “The Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh remains a stumbling block that impedes the full use of the multilateral framework of the EU Eastern Partnership and poses a serious threat in the immediate neighbourhood of the EU.” Mr Mammadyarov Vilnius developments challenges to the EU region, including the
noted that posthave brought many Eastern Partnership potential to launch
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PACE has continually favoured a negotiated resolution to the conflict and requested the minimisation of tensions on the ‘contact line’, and Anne Brasseur, President, PACE, recently reiterated this opinion.
another conflict. He continued: “All conflicts in the EU Eastern Partnership region have undergone a similar scenario and brought the same grave consequences – the violation of territorial integrity, occupation and separatism. It is now time to demonstrate a unified stance and solidarity towards achieving settlement of all regional conflicts.
inviolability of the international borders of Azerbaijan, urging the implementation of the four outstanding UN Security Council resolutions condemning the occupation. We strongly believe that deoccupation of the Azerbaijani territories will bring longawaited peace and security to the people of the region and the entire international community.
“We expect the EU to demonstrate a firm response to the security challenges that persist in the region by demonstrating a consistent commitment towards maintaining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and
“Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its readiness to accept the calls of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to draft a Comprehensive Peace Agreement and bring peace and stability to the region.”
Azerbaijani officer killed in fresh clashes On 16 April, a spokesman for the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry acknowledged that Armenian forces had killed an Azerbaijani officer on the ‘contact line’ between
specific sub-committee on the conflict, and finally the PACE Monitoring Committee adopted a decision to create the relevant body.”
Azerbaijan and the occupied territories. The statement continued: “Armenian forces have yet again violated the ceasefire and
killed an Azerbaijan army warrant officer.” No further details were revealed, and the fatality takes the death toll on both sides to at least 26 soldiers in 2015.
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12
Personalities – Jade Jones
Jade Jones – a great British hope for Baku2015 Born in Bodelwyddan, North Wales in 1993, Jade began to learn the martial art of taekwondo at the age of eight, having been encouraged by her grandfather. Despite trying many other sports, she remained loyal to taekwondo and joined the GB Academy in 2010 under the tutelage of Paul Green. She achieved the firstever British gold in the sport at the inaugural Youth Olympics on day three of the competition in Singapore. Known as ‘The Headhunter’, due to her technique of scoring points from her opponent’s head, rather than their body, Jade has enjoyed almost unbroken success. This includes her World Championship silver medal in 2011. Jade is now one of Britain’s brightest young stars, winning a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the –57kg category, where she became Great Britain’s youngest Olympic champion. Jade is now set to travel to Baku as part of the Team GB delegation at the inaugural Baku2015 European Olympics, which runs from 12–28 June. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS, interrupted her training session to find out more: As you will be aware, other prominent athletes such as boxer Nicola Adams and kayak athlete Ed McKeeba will compete in the Baku2015 European Games and will be ambassadors for Team GB. What does it mean to be included in that list of names? It is a great honour to be competing on behalf of my country. Taekwondo athletes are seldom invited to participate in multisport events. The environment is similar to the Olympics, and I think it will help me a great deal. What does Baku2015 mean for athletes on the road to the Rio2016 Olympic Games? Taekwondo is one of the sports at Baku2016 that assist towards gaining qualification points for the Rio2016 Olympics. In my sport, I could achieve 40 ranking points by winning at Baku2015. That’s a lot of ranking points that could go towards my qualification. Baku2016 is very important to me, as it will help with ascending the rankings for Rio.
Jade achieved Team GB’s first ever taekwondo gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics
What are you and the team aiming to achieve at Baku2015? I will take every opportunity to do my best. Taekwondo is a really crazy sport, and the best athletes do not always win. I think Team GB has a great opportunity, not least because so many athletes are competing. You are an important part of Team GB, and you are heading out to Baku in just 50 days. Are you looking forward to visiting Azerbaijan? Will it be your first time in Baku? I actually went to Azerbaijan in 2014 for the Senior Taekwondo Championships in Baku. What is your training regime for Baku2015? We are training for between four and five hours on weekdays, and use many different training methods. We use weights and run when we are away from the competition, and we undertake sparring and pad work as we come closer to the competition. We aim to get fast and sharp, and must be careful to avoid injury. You were a gold medalist at the London 2012 Olympics, and this was when your name came to public attention. Do you think there is opportunity for a rising star to come to the fore in Baku, either amongst your taekwondo squad colleagues or in other sports? Baku2015 is like an Olympic Games, and I think it’s a good opportunity for athletes to experience this. We have a young squad that has the potential to shock a lot of people. Altogether, around 6000 athletes from 50 countries will participate in Baku2015, which will have an Olympic feel. TEAS have been privileged in the past to host sports events featuring London 2012 Olympic champion Mo Farah. How much inspiration is Mo for athletes competing in Baku2015? He was a great inspiration, along with many of the other athletes. I remember watching him and Jessica Ennis on television before I was about to fight. This inspired me to achieve success and to gain a gold medal.
Jade demonstrates the unorthodox fighting technique that led her to be named ‘The Headhunter’
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For more information on the Baku2015 European Games, go to www.baku2015.com and on Jade Jones see www.gbtaekwondo.co.uk/jadejones.html.
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Business News
13
Interview – Alain Carbonel
Bakou Francophones has been undertaking a series of interviews with French entrepreneurs who have successfully entered the Azerbaijani marketplace. Here we are pleased to publish an interview with Alain Carbonel, Director, Suez Environnement, Azerbaijan. Can you provide us with some biographical information about your education and explain why you selected your career? I am an engineer by training and achieved a diploma from the Central School of Paris in 1986. Following this, I was employed by the Economic Service of the French Embassy to Venezuela, which gave me a taste for expatriate life. As I wished to work in environmental issues, I joined Lyonnaise des Eaux (part of the Suez Environnement Group) in France, and then had the chance to manage water services and sanitation in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. Following my return to France, I worked as a regional director for Lyonnaise des Eaux in Picardy, Champagne and Burgundy. In 2010, I was selected as director for three subsidiaries of Lyonnaise des Eaux in New Caledonia. In 2014, I took responsibility for transferring knowledge from Suez Environnement to Azersu, which is the Azerbaijani public enterprise in charge of water and sanitation. What are your motivations? I have a passion for supplying services to others. I aim to provide vital services for the provision of drinking water and the treatment of wastewater. Respect and a wish to improve the environment were strong motivations in the development of my career. What is the context of your work? Despite certain progress achieved during the past few years, a large part of the world’s population does not benefit from drinking water and proper sanitation. There is a strong will amongst the populations affected to improve this situation. Our work has a great impact, as producing and supplying drinking water, together with collecting and treating wastewater, demands long-term planning, the creation of important infrastructure and efficient operation and maintenance of these assets. This necessitates the use of competent operators that have the capacity to realise the implementation of these plans. Our development strategy to undertake such work in emerging countries is essentially dependent on political will and institutional stability. In mature countries, we assist with decreasing the volumes of bottled water sold, and seek to replace these with added-value services. Can you describe the quality of your products in context? We are a public services enterprise. Our services are designed to achieve a high level of excellence, ensuring that drinking water is produced and effluent is effectively treated. We seek to ensure good client relations and operational efficiency. This final point is dependent on bringing together many resources – energy, chemical products, materials and human resources – to realise our work. The achievement of this efficiency is simultaneously determined by private companies and by public enterprises involved in water services and sanitation. Can you outline the details of your contract in Azerbaijan? Our contract consists of transferring knowledge to Azersu, a public utility in charge of water and sanitation. This knowledge exchange comprises the transfer of best practice guidance according to a plan designed to meet the needs of our client, as it strives to develop the competence of its workforce.
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Alain Carbonel, Director, Suez Environnement, Azerbaijan
This contract type differs to the forms of our intervention in France, where we act as direct suppliers of water and sanitation services. In Azerbaijan, we act as advisors, and Azersu continues to supply water and sanitation without any responsibility from our part. Our service is determined by knowledge gained over 150 years of experience and numerous international contracts. We do not face any form of local competition for this kind of contract. What motivated you to come to Azerbaijan? I have a taste for challenges and a wish to discover new horizons, after working in France, South America and Oceania. This also represented a new method of applying our specialisations. What inspired you about this experience? It is necessary to empathise with the culture of the client, to be humble and patient, and to persevere and work with them towards clear and measurable objectives. How do foresee your career developing over the next 15 years? I hope that Suez Environnement will sign more contracts to establish a permanent presence in Azerbaijan. We are generally active in countries for periods greater than 15 years. I have personally pursued my international career with great motivation, so I may well have moved on in the next 15 years. Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs wishing to enter the Azerbaijani marketplace? Work with local partners and take the time to observe and understand the needs of the country. Be prepared to adapt systems and methodologies to meet the requirements of the client, and formulate and implement realistic ambitions. Do not be discouraged in the face of bureaucracy, and have a good dose of optimism and perseverance.
For more information on the Bakou Francophones association Website: https://bakoufr.wordpress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/bakou.francophones E-mail: bakou.fr@gmail.com
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14
Business News
Dutch–Azerbaijani economic relations forged in Maastricht
The strength of Dutch–Azerbaijani relations was acknowledged during the inaugural Netherlands–Azerbaijan Business Forum on 23 April at the renowned Maastricht School of Management (MSM), organised by MSM, The Province of Limburg, TEAS, AZPROMO and the Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion (NCH). Around 250 delegates attended the event, including more than 50 Azerbaijani business leaders drawn from all sectors of the country’s economy. In his keynote speech, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry, commented: “Azerbaijan is working to diversify its economy and the non-oil sector now accounts for 32 per cent of GDP. Royal Dutch Shell is currently involved in the Southern Energy Corridor, which is the largest pipeline project under construction anywhere in the world and is worth $45bn (£28.6bn). Altogether, 125 Dutch companies are active in Azerbaijan, and the Netherlands has proven to be a reliable partner to my country. There is plenty of scope for future collaboration.” Shahmar Movsumov, CEO, State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOFAZ), explained: “Natural resources can be both a blessing and curse. Azerbaijan is currently passing through its second oil boom. SOFAZ has created around $40bn (£25.5bn) of revenues, and is a global investor in all asset classes.” René van der Linden, Dutch Senator; Chairman, MSM; and former President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from 2005–08, continued: “This forum follows a successful trade mission to Baku in April last year. Since regaining its independence almost 25 years ago, Azerbaijan has been transformed into a stable and fast-growing country at the bridging point between Europe and Asia. It offers tremendous opportunities.”
H.E. Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs reflected: “Whilst geographically distant, our countries have much in common. We both have a strong agricultural industry, and the energy industry has had a major impact on both our economies. Azerbaijan is trying to diversify its economy and stimulate rural development. The Netherlands is trying to recover from the financial crisis by investing in industries with great growth potential. These mutual interests are the basis of our ties.”
SOCAR to invest AZN1bn this year
According to Reuters, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) has outlined plans to invest around AZN1bn (£605.9m) during 2015. Despite the downturn in oil prices, investments will remain at the 2014 level. Suleiman Gasimov, Vice-President, SOCAR, revealed that money would be used to continue current operations, drill new wells and renovate older wells. In March, SOCAR explained said it would issue $1bn-worth of USdenominated Eurobonds to raise funds for overseas operations. The company will use the proceeds for various purposes, including refinancing its debts and funding operations.
Non-oil sector increases by 7% in Q1
The Azerbaijani non-oil sector has maintained its position as the engine of the economy, according to the Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee. During the first quarter of 2015, it amounted to AZN7.8bn (£4.7bn), equating to an increase of 7 per cent over the figure for the first quarter of 2014. In 2014, the total non-oil GDP in Azerbaijan amounted to AZN35.97bn (£21.8bn), being 7 per cent more than the 2013 index, equating to nearly 61 per cent of total GDP.
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Keynote papers were presented by (fourth from left) Shahmar Movsumov, CEO, SOFAZ; Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy and Industry; H.E. Henk Kamp, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs; and René van der Linden, Dutch Senator; Chairman, MSM; and former PACE President
Twan Beurskens, Vice-Governor of the Province of Limburg in charge of Economic Affairs outlined: “Energy and energy policies were important in Limburg in the past – and this is one aspect we share with Azerbaijan. When I participated in the Netherlands’ Trade Mission to Baku, I was very impressed by the economic progress achieved in Baku, to date. We have discussed the possibility of setting up an Azerbaijan Business Hub in Venlo.” Rufat Mammadov, Head, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) outlined the opportunities for Dutch investment in the non-oil sector: “There is great mutual interest on developing trade and economic relations. The economy has grown by almost five per cent this year, and was placed in 38th position in the World Bank’s Doing Business report last year. This is partly due to the attempts to diversify the economy over the past decade.” During a networking lunch, delegates had opportunity to view the Azerbaijan – Sport in Focus exhibition, comprising 65 images submitted by photographers based in 10 countries for a TEAS competition of the same name. This reflects Azerbaijan’s forthcoming hosting of the inaugural Baku2015 European Games from 12–28 June. The event continued with business-to-business meetings between Azerbaijani and Dutch companies, during which experience was pooled and new, mutually beneficial alliances were created. The forum concluded with dinner at the Province House of the Province of Limburg.
EnerMech completes £500,000 replacement project for BP Azerbaijan
The Aberdeen-based EnerMech mechanical engineering group has completed a slew bearing replacement on the North Crane for BP Azerbaijan Exploration’s Chirag 1 platform in Baku. This £500,000 project lasted for three months and included design, build, testing and installation. EnerMech has a longstanding relationship with BP Azerbaijan, providing offshore crane operation, maintenance and inspection services to all of its Caspian platform assets and the Shah Deniz II development. Working closely with the BP Azerbaijan structural team, EnerMech designed a crane-specific jacking frame and, following a successful factory acceptance (FAT) test at the EnerMech yard in Baku, all equipment and materials were shipped offshore to meet the tight completion schedule. The complex project included lifting the 56 tonne crane chassis to a height of 500mm and laser-checking of the crane chassis for flatness.
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15
Business News
EC looks at the long-term future for the Southern Energy Corridor
Speaking to the Kommersant newspaper, Maroš Šefčovič, VicePresident, European Commission for the Energy Union, has commented on the decision to permit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to update their memorandum of understanding over the potential Trans-Caspian Pipeline. This would see Turkmen gas piped to Azerbaijan for further transfer through the Southern Energy Corridor, which is currently under construction. The Corridor will initially see 25bn m 3 (bcm) of Azerbaijani Caspian gas piped to Europe from 2020.
He stated: “Since 2011, the European Commission has had a mandate to conduct negotiations with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan within the framework of a memorandum of understanding on construction of the Trans-Caspian pipeline. Now we’ve offered Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan the chance to update this memorandum and are waiting for an answer on how the negotiations will be conducted.” Mr Šefčovič also acknowledged that the Southern Energy Corridor – which has the potential to double its initial capacity to 50bcm per year – could carry gas from Iraq and Iran. He said: “Currently, the matter is about Azerbaijan – but we’ll observe the processes
Azerbaijan to retain its TANAP stake SOCAR has revealed that it does not intend to reduce its equity stake in the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) below 51 per cent. When constructed, TANAP will form a main artery in the Southern Energy Corridor, which will bring Azerbaijani Caspian gas to an Italian interconnector. Speaking at a meeting of the Caspian European Club (CEIBC),
Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President, European Commission for the Energy Union, expanded on the future potential of the Southern Energy Corridor
in the neighbouring countries in connection with recent diplomatic progress in Iraq and Iran. We also recognise that Turkmenistan’s interest has is increased.”
Suleyman Gasimov, Vice-President, SOCAR, revealed: “Currently SOCAR holds a 58 per cent stake in TANAP. According to the intergovernmental agreement, this should not drop below 51 per cent, and SOCAR is not even contemplating sale of its share. Any sale of the BOTAS stake would be their choice in agreement with the other partners, which are namely BP and ourselves.”
Southern Energy Corridor spotlighted in Berlin Speaking in Berlin at the Energy Security Conference, Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, explained that Azerbaijani Caspian gas would reach Europe by 2020. He commented: “We are sure that this project will be successfully fulfilled and implemented. We will be pleased to deliver 10bcm of gas to Bulgaria, Greece and Italy by 2020.”
Mr Aliyev expressed his confidence in the Southern Energy Corridor and underlined that Azerbaijan would play a key role in diversifying European energy supplies. He continued: “Diversification is a main factor in ensuring energy security, and this is widely understood across the EU. Over the past decade, EU countries have been working very hard to achieve diversification, not only of the routes, but also of the sources. One of the real sources for Europe is Azerbaijan.” Mr Aliyev explained said that, following the completion of TANAP by 2019, Azerbaijan would also increase its gas supplies to Turkey from 6 to 12.6bcm, thereby becoming the second biggest supplier to the country. The TANAP groundbreaking ceremony took place in Kars, Turkey, during March.
Speaking in Berlin, Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijani Energy Minister, outlined the strategic importance of the Southern Energy Corridor to the EU
SOCAR Polymer to build polyethylene plant SOCAR Polymer, a SOCAR subsidiary, has signed a contract for the construction of a polypropylene plant at the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park (SCIP/SKSP). Emil Eminov, Project Director, SOCAR Polymer, explained that the plant would produce 180,000 tonnes of polypropylene a year within the framework of the $350m (£222.4m) project.
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He commented: “Under the agreement, the plant will be built turnkey at a fixed price, and Maire Tecnimont will transfer this to us by the end of 2017. Construction works will start in August or September 2015.” SOCAR holds a 51 per cent stake in SOCAR Polymer, with the remainder of the shares belonging to the largest private holdings in Azerbaijan – PASHA, Gilan and Azersun.
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05 / 2015
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