Azerbaijan is a country rich in energy sources, especially in the Caspian Sea. Its capital city Baku is known as the cradle of the oil industry. On 20 September 1994, the “Contract of the Century” provided the framework for Western companies to tap new oil and gas reserves in the Azerbaijani part of the Caspian Sea as well as for export to the West and to the global market. Azerbaijan wants to further develop this role. In the future Azerbaijan could be one of the main supplier countries for the Nabucco gas pipeline. RWE was among the guests invited to the ceremony to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the signing of the contract. RWE is currently developing an energy partnership with this country on the Caspian Sea.