Top SOCAR management briefs Turkish energy minister about investments after coup attempt

The top management of Petkim was recently changed in line with the probe into the coup attempt. 

During the meeting between Albayrak, SOCAR President Rövnag Abdullayev and Vaqıf Aliyev, chairman of the board of SOCAR Turkey and Petkim, on Aug. 3, the main agenda was energy collaboration between Turkey and Azerbaijan, according to a statement by the company. SOCAR’s ongoing investments and goals for the Turkish market, as well as the July 15 coup attempt and related developments, were discussed, according to the statement. 

“SOCAR is one of the biggest investors in Turkey with its investment of $18 billion. Their support to us during the latest developments and their trust both in the Turkish nation and economy are vitally important. Our joint strategic projects like TANAP [the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline] are being executed within the projected time and budget plan without any interruption or failure, just like other projects of Turkey,” Albayrak was quoted as saying. 

He also stated that among direct investments to Turkey, SOCAR’s TANAP and Star Refinery projects were exceptional in terms of added value, exportation, employment and transfer of cutting-edge technology and expressed that their support to SOCAR would continue thanks to the company’s strong partnership and contribution to the Turkish economy. 

Commenting on the operations against the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) within Petkim, one of SOCAR’s largest investments, Albayrak said: “Unfortunately they have infiltrated the private sector like every other organization. Actions and precautions have been taken against this terror organization, which directly targets the citizens, in the private sector just like in the public corporations. Investigations in the Aliağa premises of Petkim are part of these actions. It is not directly linked to SOCAR, and the management has been in close collaboration with security forces.” 

Albayrak also extended his thanks to Azerbaijani executives for their support to Turkey against FETÖ, adding bilateral collaboration was agreed to continue strongly in this matter as well.