Emergency Situations Ministers Kamaladdin Heydarov of Azerbaijan and Vladimir Bojko of Kazakhstan signed an agreement on cooperation on civil defense and prevention of emergencies.
Following the signing ceremony, Bojko told journalists the agreement was urgent in light of recent events in the Gulf of Mexico and the complex biological conditions of the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijan`s Emergency Situations Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov said his country was currently taking concrete steps towards strengthening oil and gas security. Although the ministry has been established recently, agreements with companies that are engaged in oil and gas production have already been signed, he added.

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He said Azerbaijan had already created a hot-line for prompt information on technogenous situations and accidents.
Heydarov also noted a rapid response service has been created in the Caspian Sea.
Heydarov has offered to conduct joint operations to tackle emergencies in the Caspian Sea.
He also suggested establishing a joint fund between the two ministries to respond to emergencies.
As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani Minister met Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov. The sides praised the current state of relationship between the two countries.
Heydarov also participated in the forum entitled "Energy map of Eurasia: balance of risks and new opportunities".
He also met Chairman of KazEnergy Association Timur Kulibayev and Mayor of Astana Imangali Tasmaganbetov.