November 18, 1999

I am facing a dilemma. In what language shall I speak? (laughter)

If anyone had spoken of such a project ten years ago, that would perhaps have seemed an impossible dream. Today we witness a great event. Let us all remember this day -  November 18. Today we have agreed on the signing of the European Charter, and today we have just signed projects of special, historical significance - the projects of the century, as Heidar Aliev refers to them.

I congratulate you all on this achievement. And I urge the journalists and photographers to keep these pictures. Time will pass and they will increase in value... and price as well (laughter, applause).

Heidar Aliev, my friend, and my brother spoke very expressively about the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project. Also Kazakhstan and its president, whose participation  in this project we welcome. I concur with those we have heard today. I also want to remind you, urge you, not to forget that before signing this agreement, there was an early oil project which has already been  functioning for some time. The Caspian crude is already flowing to the West.

I say this in order to stress that the countries that have signed this important agreement are reliable. Among them is my homeland, my country. You can have confidence in us.

Reaching an agreement on the critical issue of transporting natural gas via the trans-Caucasus, trans-Caspian route is equally important. This too is a historical event for Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and many other countries. I want to particularly note that there was an atmosphere of partnership, mutual understanding and respect even when the presidents had differences. I cannot miss this opportunity to say that when we faced difficulties, and we encountered problems - and they did arise - our American friends were invariably by our side, and often President Bill Clinton was personally among them.

Unfortunately I do not represent a country with its own oil or gas, we only transit these via our territory - or refuse to do so.  (laughter)  I have spoken about this many times with the US President. I know the personal interest he has shown in promoting these projects, not only because they are economically profitable for his country or American companies. He understands very well the most important thing - such projects, these grand projects of the century are an important basis for the independence and democratic development of our countries. This is the basis of our future.

Distinguished Presidents, dear friends, my brothers! I congratulate you on this historic day - and once again call on you to keep these photos!