Azerbaijan joins discussions on gas supply to Slovakia

Azerbaijan has participated in key discussions concerning the gas supply to Slovakia, marking a significant step in energy cooperation between the European Union and the South Caucasus nation.

The inaugural meeting of the Working Group, formed by the European Commission and Slovakia to address gas supply issues, took place in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Orkhan Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Energy, and included Elshad Nasirov, Vice President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). The meeting also saw the participation of Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Director for Energy Policy in DG ENER in the European Commission, and Denisa Sakova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Slovakia.

At the meeting, European representatives underscored Azerbaijan's strategic importance as a reliable partner in the energy sector, emphasizing the country’s role in ensuring natural gas supplies and contributing to the development of green energy solutions. Azerbaijan’s significant potential in gas production was highlighted, and opportunities for increasing gas exports to Europe were discussed.

Elshad Nasirov presented Azerbaijan’s gas potential and the possibilities for expanding supply volumes, stressing the importance of ongoing infrastructure development to support this growth. Deputy Minister Zeynalov reinforced Azerbaijan's crucial role in establishing energy corridors that connect Europe to the Caspian region, and reaffirmed the country's commitment to further cooperation with European partners in the energy sector.

The meeting also addressed the integration of renewable energy sources, with discussions centered on Azerbaijan’s renewable energy projects and the export of clean energy to Europe. Azerbaijan shared updates on its involvement in several key projects, including the “Caspian-Black Sea-Europe,” “Azerbaijan-Central Asia-Europe,” “Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe,” and “Azerbaijan-Georgia- Türkiye-Bulgaria” initiatives, all of which aim to strengthen energy connectivity across regions.

In addition, Zeynalov held a meeting with Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General for Energy at the European Commission, where they discussed broader energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU. The conversation focused on the Southern Gas Corridor and the potential for Central Asia to export “green energy” to Europe, furthering the EU's strategic energy goals.

The discussions in Brussels reflect Azerbaijan's growing role in Europe’s energy landscape, as it continues to enhance its energy partnerships, contributing to the EU’s energy diversification efforts and its transition towards sustainable energy.

By Vafa Guliyeva