On June 19, a two-day Energy Seminar commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye took place in Türkiye, organised in conjunction with Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU), Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (ZBEU), and Tükiye Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). ASOIU Rector Professor Mustafa Babanli and his delegation participated in the event.
The opening ceremony of the seminar, aimed at contributing significantly to sustainable development, scientific cooperation, and the friendship between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, began with a moment of silence to honour the memory of the martyrs. This was followed by the performance of the Turkish National Anthem and the film screening.
During the opening ceremony, Mustafa Tutulmaz, the Governor of Zonguldak, emphasised the city's rapid progress towards becoming an energy centre again, acknowledging the contribution of natural gas to the country and the region. He highlighted the pivotal role of energy resources in the conflicts of the past 150 years and emphasised that energy is a crucial pillar for a strong Türkiye in the new century. He expressed the belief that cooperation with Azerbaijan exemplifies the strength derived from energy, emphasising that both nations are stronger together.
Melih Han Bilgin, Chairman of the Board and CEO of TPAO, emphasised the importance of leaving a bright and promising Türkiye for future generations. He stated that preparing young people for their roles in shaping the country's future vision is a shared responsibility.
Professor Ismail Hakkı Özölçer, Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, highlighted the vital role of energy in the development of nations and its direct impact on societal well-being. He stressed that the effects of globalisation are particularly evident in the energy sector. Professor Özölçer expressed their goal of increasing research and initiatives in the field of energy, strengthening research and development activities, and translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions to contribute to the country's technological and economic development.
Professor Mustafa Babanli, Rector of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, emphasised the historical roots of the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood and the extensive diplomatic cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, science, and education. Recalling Türkiye's support to Azerbaijan during the 44-day Patriotic War and liberation of Azerbaijan's ancestral lands from the enemy, Rector Mustafa Babanli underscored the profound pride stemming from the establishment of the Turkish Union and the Union of Turkic States, led by the revered figures of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Ilham Aliyev, the leaders of the Turkic world. In his address, M.Babanli emphasised the imperative of prioritising education and science and further bolstering our universities' capacity to fortify our strength in the contemporary Turkish world.
