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         Italy recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 1, 1992.

 

         On May 8, 1992, diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. In March 1997, the Italian government set up its embassy in Azerbaijan, which became the first country in the South Caucasus to open an Italian embassy.

 

             A number of major contracts were signed between SOCAR and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and leading Italian companies operating in the fields of engineering, construction and technology, on the other. Within these contracts, Italian companies carry out design, engineering and construction works in Azerbaijan in the field of construction and reconstruction of petrochemical enterprises.

 

           In addition, the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), together with the Italian company Maire Technimont Group, carries out logistical, scientific, methodological and organizational measures to provide the training of highly qualified specialists in the BHOS. Thanks to this collaboration, BHOS students got an opportunity to participate in internship programs organized by the company Maire Technimont Group and to obtain employment.

 

            Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italian Republic to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Augusto Massari, answered questions about Azerbaijan’s socio-economic relations with Italy, joint educational projects, the Summer School "Green Energy Managment: energy solutions for sustainable environment" jointly held in Baku by the Baku Higher Oil School, the Italian Embassy and the Italian company Maire Technimont Group”.

 

          - Mr. Ambassador, you have been working as a diplomat in Azerbaijan for two years. It would be interesting to know your impressions of our country.

 

           I have very positive impressions of Azerbaijan. From the very beginning, I have been feeling at home in Azerbaijan. It’s very easy for me to work here as an ambassador. I have a very warm relationship with people and I have many friends. In general, I can say that our countries have very good relations. Our governments have good friendly relations. Over the two years of my work as ambassador to Azerbaijan, cooperation between our countries has developed in many areas, including the spheres of political relations and culture. Economic relations between the two countries have also expanded.

 

          The energy sector is also an important part of our cooperation.

 

        - Besides Baku, you have visited the regions of Azerbaijan and met many people. Italians and Azerbaijanis are said to be very similar to each other. What do you think about this?

 

         In general, yes, we have a lot in common. I think that geographical location does not affect the formation of a human character. Azerbaijan and Italy are located in completely different geographical points. But I guess that our peoples have similar characteristics. Azerbaijanis, like Italians, attach great importance to family values, respect for adults and love for minors. Both nations have a hot temperament.

 

        - You mentioned that our countries cooperate effectively with each other in many areas. What can you say about our relations in the field of education?

 

         Our governments and our peoples have similar interests in this regard. As a result of the implementation of joint programs in recent years, relations in the field of education have developed. Azerbaijanis dominate among foreigners studying in Italy. They study in higher education institutions located in different cities of Italy. I regularly meet with rectors and directors of universities. We are interested in teaching Italian in Azerbaijan. The goal is to increase the number of educational programs. Joint memorandums are regularly signed to that end.

 

          - How do you assess cooperation with the Baku Higher Oil School?

 

           We have fantastic relations with the Baku Higher Oil School. During each of our meetings with the rector Elmar Gasimov, new ideas for cooperation arise. The Baku Higher Oil School  closely cooperates with the Italian company Maire Tecnimont Group. Each year, several students of the Baku Higher Oil School undergo an internship at the Baku office of the company Kinetics Technology, which is a contractor of Maire Tecnimont Group. It is gratifying that this year several students started working in the company. In addition, BHOS students study at Summer Schools organized in different cities of Italy.

 

           Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank the leaderships of the school and the company for the created conditions and the support provided to the students undergoing an internship and working in the Baku office of Maire Tecnimont Group.

 

          - Were you satisfied with the Summer School "Green Energy Management: energy solutions for sustainable environment" held in Baku?

 

           I am very pleased with how the Summer School "Green Energy Management: energy solutions for sustainable environment", jointly organized by the Baku Higher Oil School and the Italian University of Milan-Bicocca with the support of the Italian Embassy in Azerbaijan and the Maire Tecnimont Group, was held in Baku. In today's world, problems associated with energy shortages, climate change and environmental pollution require a delicate approach at the global level. Nature is a gift for us. We must find new alternative methods of protecting it. I am very proud that Summer Schools "Green Energy Management: energy solutions for sustainable environment” have been held in different countries for a number of years. Despite the fact that the Summer School was held in Azerbaijan for the first time, I am sure that the high-level events organized by the Baku Higher Oil School will benefit the country in terms of green energy management.

 

          - What would you like to add in conclusion?

 

          Thank you so much for visiting my house today. I want to say that I really love the Azerbaijani people. I am very pleased to be here.