The head of state made a speech at the ceremony. He cordially congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the official opening of the Southern Gas Corridor.
The head of state also noted that seven countries participate in the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Italy. A wide international cooperation has been created. At the next stage, three Balkan countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro - will join the project as partners. The southern gas corridor should have branches. The southern gas corridor will also contribute to addressing energy security issues.
In conclusion of his speech, Mr. Ilham Aliyev noted the great benefits that these projects will bring to our country. He also noted that Azerbaijan is an independent country, firmly on its feet, pursuing an independent policy with a strong economy. Over the past 15 years, the Azerbaijani economy and gross domestic product have more than tripled. Over the past 15 years, the country's economy has invested more than $ 230 billion.
The external public debt in Azerbaijan is at a very low level, amounting to only 20 percent of gross domestic product. Our foreign exchange reserves exceed foreign debt 4-5 times. That is, we can at any time calmly pay off all debts. The poverty level in Azerbaijan over the past 15 years has decreased from almost 50 to 5.4 percent, unemployment is at 5 percent. This shows that black gold, oil and gas turned into human capital. It shows that our policy was to equitably distribute the revenues received from oil and gas operations in the society and direct them to the projects necessary for the development of the country's economy. The World Davos Economic Forum awarded the Azerbaijani economy 35th place in the world in terms of competitiveness. This shows that we are successfully pursuing a policy of economic diversification. Oil revenues are directed to the non-oil sector of the economy. According to the Davos forum, Azerbaijan is on the third place among the developing countries in the index of inclusive development. This work is based on our successful oil and gas policy. However, at the same time, to a large extent, our deliberate policy lies at the heart of this work. There are many countries that have significantly greater oil resources, extracting more oil. But the successful development of countries is determined not by natural resources. The main factors for successful development are sound policy, unity of people and power, transparency, ensuring all freedoms, proper economic policy and regional cooperation.
The head of state also noted that on May 28 the Azerbaijani people solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic. This was also a historic event.