But, today, I think we have to realize quite clearly that there is a lot ahead. I had the pleasure of being able to inform the Vice President by phone of this event, which is a major milestone in the progress of a concept to which he has paid a great deal of attention and which he invests a great deal of hope. He has asked me to convey his regards to those present and to say that he salutes an act of great strategic vision and of statecraft among the participating countries, and believes that today they have taken an important step towards assuring their prosperity and their stability and the happiness of their people in the future. And he congratulates all concerned. That concludes the ceremony.
Cooperation continues right now.
Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, today we are participating in a historic day. And I congratulate all those who have been working on this project and on these documents on behalf of Mr. Heydar Aliyev, the esteemed President of the Azerbaijan Republic. And also on behalf of all of us, I wish to congratulate the Presidents Clinton, Shevardnadze, Aliyev and Demirel who have worked tirelessly and shown devotion and great labor in the implementation of this project. It will also make an important contribution to the security of the region. It will also provide a new boost to the democratic processes in the region.