One of the major tools lifting the geopolitical importance of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ensuring its national interests is related to the factor of oil in the world. Location of Azerbaijan in the geographic space rich in oil resources was correctly evaluated by national leader Heydar Aliyev in the 1990s and the oil strategy of the state was directed to the national interest. Construction of BTC made the legend of 3 seas real. Addressing the opening ceremony of conference of the legend of 3 seas in Istanbul on June 25, 2002, Heydar Aliyev said: “I see, it was impossible to imagine we will come from Caspian Sea to Black Sea and will move from there till Mediterranean Sea. The 2000 km long huge oil pipeline is under construction. It is a legend indeed.” On May 25, 2005, the Azerbaijan segment of BTC main export oil pipeline was launched. Making a speech in the ceremony of opening, President Ilham Aliyev said: “BTC oil pipeline will play a significant role in the assurance of cooperation, peace, security in the region.”
 
Launch of BTC in 2006 changed Azerbaijani oil to an important factor in the global market, and Azerbaijan gave its first contribution to the assurance of international energy security.

Beside a technical-economic significance, BTC oil pipeline has a big political importance. This pipeline brings nations of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey closer, brings peace and stability to the region, strengthens security, positions of these countries in the world.

The energy policy of our republic serves the region’s political and economic development and prosperity. As the world’s biggest energy project, BTC was a pretty serious step towards the assurance of the global energy security.

Naila Mammadova
Azerbaijan Realities