TURKMENISTAN: INVITATION TO SECRETARY OF ENERGY TO

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000195 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN; EEB PLEASE PASS TO USTDA DAN STEIN COMMERCE FOR HUEPER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EPET TX SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: INVITATION TO SECRETARY OF ENERGY TO PARTICIPATE IN ENERGY TRANSIT CONFERENCE ¶1. (U) On February 4, post received the following invitation for the Secretary of Energy to attend a ministerial-level, Government of Turkmenistan-sponsored international energy transit conference in Ashgabat, April 23-24. The following is the text of the invitation, followed by information about the conference itself. The original invitation and attachment were sent via diplomatic pouch to SCA/CEN for forwarding to the Department of Energy. ¶2. (U) BEGIN INVITATION TEXT: Dear Mr. Minister, Let me to inform you, that the Government of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the United Nations Organization will organize on 23-24 April, 2009 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan the high-level international conference "Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation". The above-mentioned conference is conducted in accordance with the Resolution "Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation", initiated by Turkmenistan and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19th, 2008. The purpose of the mentioned conference is to review the problems related to reliable and stable transportation of energy to the international markets, including issues of trade, investments and management. One of the important items in agenda of the conference would be the discussion of conceptual approaches and elaboration of practical recommendations on drafting the international legal document of the United Nations aimed at development of mechanisms and guarantees to provide security for energy carriers system functioning. Turkmenistan highly appreciates your country's co-sponsorship of the above-mentioned resolution. In this connection, I would like to invite you to attend the above-mentioned international conference. I believe that your participation in its work will bring contribution to the development of international cooperation. The expenses related to your participation in the conference, including round trip transport expenses to Ashgabat, accommodation and meals while staying in Turkmenistan will be covered by Turkmen side. Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration. Yours sincerely, Tachberdi TAGIYEV His Excellency Mr. Steven CHU Minister of Energy of the USA Washington END INVITATION TEXT ¶3. (U) BEGIN TEXT OF CONFERENCE INFORMATION: High-level international conference "Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation" (23-24 April 2009, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan) INTRODUCTION The energy resources are one of the most important components of world economy development. Production, transportation and realization of energy resources are constantly increasing, thus no doubt demonstrating a positive aspect since it stimulates social-economic development. All energy producers expect the stability in demand, while energy consumers require guaranteed and stable supplies. The increased demand for energy in the world has brought new opportunities for countries-producers of energy resources to increase production of oil and gas for replenishment of new markets. The successful implementation of energy production and transportation projects requires the most advanced technologies and governance approaches to avoid environmental consequences to achieve sustainable development. Management. The elaboration of common and transparent rules in the operation of energy markets and countries' commitment to observe them in practice would create a climate necessary for energy security and further promote the achievement of goals of every country's sustainable economic development. During its 63rd session, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution "Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation". This resolution was initiated by the Government of Turkmenistan, co-sponsored by 57 UN member-states and supported by 192 countries. This conference is to provide a forum for information and experience exchange on the issue within the bounds of the Resolution. The conference is expected to adopt a Declaration summarizing the outcome of the meeting and providing directions for future activities. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE: The main objective of the conference is to enhance the dialogue on the issues of secure transportation of energy resources. This dialogue will be based on the diversity of views expressed at the conference to provide objective information to the governments, companies and investors. The conference is intended to become and international forum for energy supply producers, transporters and consumers with the aim to: --to assess recent trends, technology developments and policy perspectives pertaining to international cooperation in developing energy transportation systems including pipelines; --to exchange views among leaders and energy policy makers of the countries on the maters of both national and regional policies and measures to improve reliability in energy transportation systems; --for capacity building and experience exchange among interested parties; --to identify gaps and barriers to the development and implementation of reciprocal common energy cooperation policy; --to identify new project ideas, potential new partners and ways of cooperation. MAIN CONFERENCE TOPICS In order to promote international cooperation in developing energy recourses transportation systems the Government of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the United Nations is organizing the International Conference "Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation" to be held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 23-24 April ¶2009. The conference will focus on the following main areas: --International energy cooperation: challenges and potentials. --Strengthening security of energy supply. --Promoting trade, investment and assisting the advanced methods of governance. ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES The conference will be conducted by the Government of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the United Nations. The Government of Turkmenistan invites representatives of Governments, international organizations, companies, financial institutions to participate at the conference. END TEXT OF CONFERENCE INFORMATION. MILES