SOCAR eyes construction of oil terminal in Benin

Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR is considering the possibility of building an oil terminal in the city of Cotonou of Benin, as well as the implementation of a number of infrastructure projects in West African countries, SOCAR said in a message Nov. 15.

The Azerbaijani delegation led by the country’s Energy Minister Natig Aliyev visited Burkina Faso and Benin at the invitation of these countries’ governments, according to the message.

During the meetings, the sides discussed issues of establishing relations between the fuel and energy complex of Azerbaijan and West African countries, as well as ensuring mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

“The delegation, which also includes SOCAR Vice-President for Investments and Marketing Elshad Nasirov, Chairman of Azerikimya production union Mukhtar Babayev and Director of SOCAR Trading Arzu Azimov, met with the President of Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, during which the parties outlined the importance of development of bilateral relations,” said the message.

During a meeting with Prime Minister of Burkina Faso Paul Kaba Thieba, the parties discussed issues of cooperation between SOCAR and SONABHY (state oil company of Burkina Faso), concrete joint projects, the supply of oil products to Burkina Faso, as well as the construction of SOCAR’s terminal in the port of Cotonou in Benin and implementation of several other infrastructure projects, according to the message.

The Azerbaijani delegation also plans to hold meetings in the Cotonou with minister of energy, water resources and mining, minister of finance, foreign minister, as well as the management of Benin’s state oil company SONACOP (Société Nationale de Commercialisation des Produits Pétroliers).

The message said also that the visit will allow expanding prospects of supplies of Azerbaijani oil and oil products to West African markets, implementing energy projects, strengthening political authority of Azerbaijan in the region and intensifying SOCAR’s commercial activity.

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