Azerbaijan’s contribution to global energy security set to expand, says President Aliyev UPDATED

Azerbaijan’s contribution to global energy security will continue to grow, President Ilham Aliyev said during the official opening ceremony of the 31st Baku Energy Forum on June 1.

“Our contribution to global energy security will definitely grow,” President Ilham Aliyev said during the Forum, Caliber.Az reports via state media.

The head of state highlighted Azerbaijan’s transition from an investment-attracting country to an outward investor in the global energy market.

“Right energy policy allowed us now to invest outside of Azerbaijan. Thirty years ago, we were attracting investors. Now we are going with our investments outside. Today, our state oil company SOCAR is investing in the Middle East, in Africa, and in Central Asia. And this geography will grow,” the head of state emphasized.

President Aliyev also underlined the country’s expanding cooperation in regional energy infrastructure projects, particularly in electricity transmission initiatives.

“Today, we work closely with our partners on energy cables,” President Aliyev said.

He noted that the Black Sea Energy Cable project is approaching the final stages of its feasibility study and will connect multiple countries across the region.

The head of state noted that the Black Sea Energy Cable, which is currently very close to completing its feasibility study, will stretch from Azerbaijan to Georgia, and beneath the Black Sea to Romania, Hungary, and many other countries.

He further highlighted another ongoing regional project aimed at strengthening electricity connectivity in the wider region.

“Another project, which is the onshore electric cable connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Bulgaria, is also in the implementation phase,” the president added.

Transitioning to broader transport connectivity, President Aliyev stressed Azerbaijan’s role in linking continents through infrastructure development.

“We also can be proud of our achievements in connecting the continents. By investing in railroad and highway infrastructure, we are opening new corridors for transportation,” President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the official opening ceremony of the 31st Baku Energy Forum.

He further pointed to the performance and future of major regional transport routes.

“The East-West Corridor is functioning successfully. The Zangezur Corridor, which will be another branch of the East-West Corridor, will definitely be constructed, based on the document signed at the White House on August 8, 2025, between the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and myself,” the head of state noted.

By Vugar Khalilov