Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to resolving Europe’s energy security problems, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated at a news conference held jointly with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on 4 February. Aliyev pointed out that the Azerbaijani-German relations have been rapidly developing over the past three years, since his last visit to Germany. Aliyev pointed out the developing bilateral economic cooperation. He said that his country supports the Nabucco project and is ready to take the opportunity. The Nabucco gas pipeline is expected to supply Caspian gas to Europe bypassing Russia. Merkel, in turn, said that Azerbaijan is famous for its oil and gas abroad. Baku is an important partner for Germany, she said, highlighting Berlin’s readiness to support Azerbaijan in various fields. Germany will supply know-how to Azerbaijan in exchange for gas supply preferences. This cooperation means new orders for German industry and energy sector modernization for Azerbaijan, Merkel said. The Azeri leader was to hold a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg in Munich on 5 February.