On October 25th President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Star oil refinery of the Petkim Company, Heydar Aliyev Vocational Education Lyceum and inauguration of the AYPE-T plant in Izmir, Turkey.
The Azerbaijani President and Turkish Premier were informed that a foundation stone of the Petkim Petrochemical Holding had been laid in Yarımca in 1965. The second complex of the Petkim was constructed in Aliaga, Izmir in 1984.
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Turkish Turgas Company acquired 51% stake in the Petrochemical Plant of the Petkim Petrochemical Holding in 2008.
Prior to the ceremonies, the participants paid tribute to founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and martyrs.
Then, the national anthems of Turkey and Azerbaijan were performed.
The event participants watched a documentary on the future of the Petkim peninsula.
Addressing the event, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction with President Ilham Aliyev`s visit to Izmir.
On behalf of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked President Ilham Aliyev and all people of Azerbaijan for providing assistance over the Van earthquake.
The Premier underlined Azerbaijan was the first country to send humanitarian aid to Turkey.
He also praised the activity of Azerbaijan`s rescuers.
The Turkish PM said USD 5bln investment from SOCAR and Turgas to the petro-chemical facility is the largest injection into the construction of the plant both in Turkey and the world.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the construction of the oil refinery will employ 10.000 people.
Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Premier said Turkey had always supported Azerbaijan in this conflict.
Erdogan congratulated Azerbaijan on election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
President Ilham Aliyev said today was a milestone in Turkey-Azerbaijan relations.
The Head of State extended condolences to Turkish people over the deadly earthquake.
The President said Azerbaijan-Turkey relations were strengthening.
President Ilham Aliyev underlined Azerbaijan and Turkey support each other in all matters, implement joint projects, adding today`s ceremony is another manifestation of this unity.
President Ilham Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan`s glorious path.
The Azerbaijan leader underscored the country`s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council was an evidence of the country`s increasing prestige.
The Head of State thanked Turkey for support in the elections.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined the inauguration ceremony of the AYPE-T plant via a live video stream.
The Azerbaijani leader and Turkish Premier expressed their congratulations on the occasion.
President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan also watched the groundbreaking ceremony of the Heydar Aliyev Vocational Education Lyceum via a video link.
Izmir`s MP Aydin Sengul informed the President and Premier about the facility.
A protocol on building the Lyceum was signed between the SOCAR and Izmir governor`s office.
The facility has 24 classrooms, residential building and sports hall.
The Azerbaijani leader and Turkish Premier expressed their congratulations on the occasion.

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