Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan discuss boosting transport connectivity via Zangezur Corridor PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov held a series of high-level bilateral meetings in Astana, with key discussions centering around enhancing regional transport connectivity, particularly through the Zangezur Corridor, as part of Kazakhstan Energy Week. 

During his meeting with Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister and co-chair of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission, Nurlan Sauranbayev, both sides emphasised the importance of the Zangezur Corridor as a vital segment of the Middle Corridor transport route. They discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening logistical links between the two nations and increasing freight traffic, as well as expanding trade and economic cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via Azerbaijan’s Energy Ministry.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of bilateral ties, which they described as rooted in brotherhood, friendship, and strategic partnership. It was noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan had surged 4.2 times in the first half of the year, reaching $500 million. 

The role of the Intergovernmental Commission in facilitating these ties was highlighted, with preparations for its 21st session—scheduled to take place in Baku this October—being a key topic of discussion.

The two sides also reviewed the implementation and next phase of the Comprehensive Program on the Development of Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In a separate meeting with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov, Shahbazov reviewed ongoing energy cooperation, including the transportation of 3.38 million tons of Kazakh oil through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline since 2023. 

The ministers discussed prospects for increasing oil transit volumes and potential joint ventures between Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas and Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR.

A major focus was the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, with both sides reaffirming its strategic importance. It was announced that the international tender to select a consulting firm for the project’s feasibility study is expected to conclude in November. Minister Akkenzhenov reiterated Kazakhstan's full support for the initiative.

Minister Shahbazov also held talks with Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The meeting centered on Azerbaijan’s cooperation with IRENA in advancing the global green energy transition. Azerbaijan’s regional renewable energy initiatives were reviewed in light of the agency’s programs, with La Camera expressing IRENA’s support for Azerbaijan’s efforts in developing its renewable energy sector.

By Sabina Mammadli