[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

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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.