DEAR READERS OF THE CASPIAN ENERGY
Currently Georgia and Azerbaijan are establishing a "geo-political" bridge as a short cut from Central Asia and Caucasus to Europe. We have started direct realization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline project. By the end of 2003 a greater part of the work is to be accomplished and by the end of the next year the pipeline is to be ready for operation. Besides the oil recovered in Azerbaijan, I am sure, the BTC pipeline is to transport the oil produced in Kazakhstan. Such an agreement was reached as far back as in 1999 in Istanbul signing the "the project of the century". Discovery of enormous oil reserves in Kashagan field proves that the Caspian region possesses huge reserves of oil and gas. A number of pipelines will be required for its transportation to the world markets, which was repeatedly stated by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan. This network of oil and gas lines will lead to establishment of common multi-functional infrastructure contributing to cooperation among the countries of the Caucasus and the Central Asia. The thing is, the energy projects are just a part of the manifestation of the significance the EurAsian Bridge acquires in 21st century. Not only energy bearers and technologies, but also new ideas strengthening the freedom, consolidating the ideals of justice, peace and cooperation are to flow on both directions of the Great Silk Road, including its space component. The future of Georgia as a sovereign and democratic state is firmly related with the prospects of regional cooperation, and the processes taking place in the Caspian region.
Eduard Shevardnadze