On June 21, "Euronews" television broadcasted a report from the 29th International Caspian Oil and Gas - "Caspian Oil & Gas" and the 12th Caspian International Energy and Green Energy - "Caspian Power" exhibitions held at the Baku Expo Center as part of the Baku Energy Week.

Axar.az reports that the interview of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to "Euronews" was included in that report.

We present the full version of that interview:

Reporter : Mr. President, it is always a pleasure to see you here. Today you gave a very important message with "Masdar" and His Highness Sultan Ahmed Al-Jabir. Please tell us more about your plans.

President Ilham Aliyev : Yes, it is a really great event and it actually demonstrates our green agenda and also shows that Azerbaijan is attractive for investors not only in traditional energy sources, but also in renewable energy. "Masdar" is our strategic partner in the field of renewable energy. In October of last year, we opened the first solar power plant of 230 megawatts. Today, we held the groundbreaking ceremony of three solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt. This is just the beginning, as we plan to implement all agreements and memorandums of understanding covering 10 gigawatts in the medium term and up to 5 gigawatts by 2030. This is our goal. There is potential. You can see the Sun, our will and even the wind. There is a good investment environment. This really shows that the country is now diverting its revenues from conventional energy to renewable energy. As a host country for COP29, it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of the transition to green energy.

Reporter : Besides having a traditional energy sector, what are the challenges when it comes to transitioning to new green renewable energy?

President Ilham Aliyev : You know, actually, every new job is full of uncertainties. But we have great partners. I already mentioned that "Masdar" is a strategic partner. There is also "ACWA Power". Furthermore, BP is among our investors and there are many companies from other countries that plan to work with us. In short, we know everything in the field of oil and gas. Here we are just starting. As for the challenges, it is related to the national energy grid, because we need to strengthen it so that it can absorb as much energy as possible provided by investors. Another difficulty is related to transmission lines, because in this case we have to actively work with our neighbors. Azerbaijan itself does not need as much renewable energy as we plan, and therefore our goal is export. A very thoughtful approach to the use of renewable energy should be applied to maximize the production of electricity and save natural gas, which is mainly transported to Europe as it is now needed. Many issues that depend only on our internal agenda and need to be solved, I have no doubt that they will be fully realized. However, we must solve the issues that require international partnership with our partners.

Reporter : The presence of more than 300 participants from more than 37 countries at Baku Energy Week shows the commitment of other companies to this cause and why this conference reflects global leadership in the energy sector. Is not it?

President Ilham Aliyev : I think so too. The event has been held for 30 years. First, it was organized back in 1994. Secondly, if you look at the geography of countries and the number of companies, you will see that the number of participants is increasing. Not every energy measure gets the honor of a US President's address. This event has been like this for all the years and it really shows its unique nature and power. I think that all these factors make this event a very developed and inclusive platform that solves various issues, shows the way of development. The first was the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition. Then we started gas production. The event has already received the name Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference. Then we started work in the field of renewable energy, and the event became the Baku Energy Week, covering different sectors. You can see success in every direction in a country in a short period of time - oil, natural gas, and now green energy.

Reporter : By the way, you declared this year as the "Year of Solidarity for the Green World" with a special decree. Is not it?

President Ilham Aliyev : Yes, one of our main goals as the host country is to create unity and solidarity. We want to build a positive environment during the COP and beyond during our presidency, so that countries and companies are willing to work with each other, put aside mutual claims, and focus on the main agenda of protecting the planet.

Reporter : Mr. President, we are always happy to see you.

President Ilham Aliyev : Thank you very much.