Azerbaijan now also electricity exporter, expert says

Azerbaijan is moving beyond its traditional role as a supplier of raw materials to become a regional electricity exporter, Arnold Stepanyan, Head of the Multinational Georgia civic movement, has said.

Commenting on prospects for energy cooperation between the two countries, Stepanyan noted that closer ties in the sector could significantly strengthen interaction between Azerbaijani and Armenian societies, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"The synchronization of energy systems will be the first practical step of a long-term nature and will create certain guarantees for long-term peace in the region," he stressed.

According to him, relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are already moving in a positive direction and described the interconnection of their energy systems as an important practical step.

Stepanyan maintained that synchronising the two countries’ energy systems could open access to new markets, while stressing that cooperation should be based on mutual interests.

In his view, transparency and the ability to jointly operate in international markets are more important than the price of electricity.

The expert further stated that closer energy ties could also encourage joint business initiatives and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov