    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 18, 1999]
    [Pages 2109-2110]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Signing Ceremony for the Baku-Ceyhan and Trans-Caspian Gas
    Pipeline Agreements in Istanbul
    November 18, 1999

        Thank you very much, President Demirel, Prime Minister Bondevik, and
    especially to the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan,
    and Georgia, for whom this day is especially meaningful.
        Today is the culmination of a long effort and a new beginning. For
    centuries, the Caspian region has been critical to the crossroads of
    human events, but never more so than today. These agreements, which were
    just signed, are truly historic. They will advance the prosperity and
    security of a region critical to the future of the entire world. What
    happens to these lands on the ancient silk road will have an impact on
    everything from the future of Russia to the security of Europe to the
    relationship between the West and the Muslim world to the strength of
    the global economy and the continued growth of the American economy.
        As has already been said, the United States has worked intensively
    with all these countries on the Baku-Ceyhan and trans-Caspian pipelines.
    We have done so for four very good reasons.
        First, wise energy development can strengthen the independence of
    the newly independent states around the Caspian, helping them to stand
    on their feet and shape their own destiny, and it can open a commercial
    and political bridge between central Asia and the West. These have been
    priorities of my administration since my first day in the White House.
        Second, the construction of these pipelines will prove how much more
    countries have to gain from economic and commercial bonds rather than
    from political rivalries.
        Third, the natural wealth of the Caspian will make our global energy
    supply more secure and more diversified. These pipelines will be an
    insurance policy for the entire world, helping to ensure that our energy
    resources pass through multiple routes, not a single choke point.
        And finally--and this is so important; President Demirel mentioned
    it earlier--but through wise planning and modern technology, energy
    development can take place without undue risk to the environment. That
    means that the Bosphorus, the beautiful waterway that we are situated on
    today, the true lifeblood of this great nation of Turkey, will not be
    desecrated by oil spills because of these pipelines.
        Since 1995, the United States has advocated the creation of multiple
    pipelines in the Caspian region to ensure energy producers have choices
    about how to get production to the international market. Several already
    are in place or under construction. I want all of you to know that we
    will continue to support your efforts and

    [[Page 2110]]

    our energy companies as they work with you. Our diplomats and energy
    experts will help to facilitate solutions that meet the needs of all the
    Caspian states in Turkey. Secretary Richardson's presence here today is
    evidence of our continuing commitment.
        We understand that today represents just the beginning of the
    intensive commercial phase of this work. In the months ahead, our
    Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and Trade
    and Development Agency all will work with you on a commercial financing
    package.
        Nearly 700 years ago, this part of the world was so rich in oil that
    a visitor to Baku described it as blazing like a fire all night. It has
    been many years since the people of this region had the freedom and
    security to realize their vast potential. Today, they have the freedom,
    they have the security, and today their leaders have shown the vision
    that will enable this ancient crossroads once again to light the world
    and brighten all our futures.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 4:35 p.m. in the Blue Room at
    Ciragan Palace. In his remarks, he referred to President Suleyman
    Demirel of Turkey; Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway;
    President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan; President Saparmurat
    Miyazov of Turkmenistan; President Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan; and
    President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia.