Azerbaijan in spotlight as Qatari gas gateway NewMed Energy CEO reveals strategic route to Globes

The CEO of Israeli company NewMed Energy, Yossi Abu, stated that Qatari gas could be transported to Europe through Azerbaijan as part of emerging regional energy routes. Speaking in an interview with the Israeli outlet Globes, Abu said he sees new opportunities for strategic cooperation with Persian Gulf states and outlined two primary energy corridors from the region.

“One in the north for gas passing through Azerbaijan and Turkey and one in the south passing through Egypt and Israel,” he said.

Abu noted that such a route is particularly important for Qatar, which recently had to suspend gas production due to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving its storage facilities completely full. This disruption not only reduced gas export volumes but also affected related industries, including the production of chemicals and fertilisers derived from gas, which Qatar is currently unable to export.

The NewMed Energy chief added that his company could supply gas to Syria in place of Azerbaijan. “Even without direct commercial ties with Syria, it will be possible through a swap deal to sell 'Azerbaijani' gas to Syria,” Abu said.

He also emphasised his familiarity with government officials across various sectors and levels, expressing particular admiration for several countries. 

“I have a real love for Egypt, and also for Azerbaijan and UAE,” Abu said. “Baku has been my second home in recent months. There’s no-one like them, they’re amazing people, They’re real partners. Their outlook is so friendly and strategic and their thinking and analysis are very sharp and profound. People in UAE and Azerbaijan concentrate on doing, not showing off.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada