2nd - 3rd June, 2009
The Duke of York visits Azerbaijan:
Focus on oil and gas issues
A very busy two day programme, in support of UKTI, this was the Duke's fourth visit in this role (his last was in October 2007).
The visit was organised around the 16th Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, and the opening of the Exhibition on the morning of 2nd June. 
The Duke gave a keynote address at the opening of the Exhibition, and read out a message from the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
The focus of the visit was on energy, but there were discussions about a number of other subjects, including the proposed Southern Caucases Gas Pipeline (Nabucco), electricity generation, construction and infrastructure, the forthcoming visit of the Lord Mayor of London to Baku as well as the forthcoming visit of the President of Azerbaijan to London, on a Government-to-Government visit.
KEY ENGAGEMENTS:
1. Visiting the British Stands at the Caspian Oil and Gas Show
2. Meeting with the BP President for Azerbaijan, Bill Schrader
3. Meeting with the Shell General Manager for the Caspian, Neil Carmichael
4. Lunch with the British Business Group of Azerbaijan
5. Meeting and Dinner with President Ilham Aliyev
6. Meeting with the Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Mr Elman Rustamov
7. Meeting with the President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, Mr Rovnag Abdullayev
8. Attendance at the joint UK/US Reception, on the first evening of the Exhibition. Delivery of a speech.
9. Round Table Meeting with UK non-oil companies based in Azerbaijan
10. Meeting with the Chairman of the International Bank of Azerbaijan, Mr Jahangir Hajiyev
11. Visit to School No 23. 75th Anniversary celebrations. In support of the British Council
12. Dinner with young Azerabaijani entrepreneurs
13. Meeting with the officials and captain of the Welsh national football team, prior to their World Cup Qualifying Match on Saturday 6th June (which they won; 1-0)
