SOCAR has joined P&G, Tissot, BP and Nar Mobile in signing an agreement which will see Baku 2015 branding on all their forecourts and outlets across the country to raise awareness of the event.

They will help to promote the European Games around the continent thanks to a marketing campaign that will feature in four other countries - Switzerland, Georgia, Romania and Ukraine.

Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015 chief executive, said: "The European Games is an opportunity to promote Azerbaijan to the rest of the world and to have the backing of such a highly valued international company is of vital importance.

"We are very pleased to have the full support of SOCAR and all their staff ahead of Baku 2015."

The deal was announced at a ground breaking ceremony in the presence of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva to mark the beginning of the construction of the South Gas Corridor Extension.

This involves the transportation of Shah Deniz gas to Turkey through Sangacghal terminal, thereafter to Europe.

Azad Rahimov (left), Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and Baku 2015 chief executive and Elshad Nassirov (right), vice-president of marketing and investments at SOCAR, sign the partnership contract ©Baku 2015



Rovnag Abdullayev, President of SOCAR, said: "We are very proud to be supporting the Baku 2015 European Games as it is the biggest sporting event ever to come to Azerbaijan.

"Sponsorships across sport are a very significant point for us and SOCAR is honoured to be associated with such an exciting moment in the history of the country.

"The European Games will help leave a legacy of lasting positive change and we are extremely happy to be playing a part in that."

Significantly, today marked the 20th anniversary of the signing of the "Contract of the Century", which saw the historic agreement to open up the natural resources of Azerbaijan with the international community.

The inaugural European Games is due to be held from June 12 to 28.