Baku champions broader energy cooperation through D-8 framework

The diversification of energy policies has become a critical factor in enhancing the strategic resilience of nations amid a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said.

Speaking at the 1st D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Energy, held on the margins of the Baku Energy Forum, Shahbazov highlighted the growing challenges facing the global energy sector and the need for countries to adapt through broader partnerships and diversified energy strategies, Caliber.Az reports.

“Rising geopolitical tensions, volatility in energy markets, disruptions in supply chains, accelerating electrification, and the green transition are significantly reshaping the global energy landscape. These developments demonstrate that reliance on a single source, route, or market is no longer a viable strategy. In this new geopolitical environment, the diversification of energy policies, expansion into new markets, and the establishment of new partnerships are essential for enhancing the strategic resilience of states,” Shahbazov said.

According to the minister, Azerbaijan continues to pursue a balanced approach that combines energy security with the ongoing energy transition while simultaneously developing regional energy corridors spanning oil, natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy.

He noted that Azerbaijan is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic intercontinental energy and transit hub.

“Through strategic projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, and TAP, Azerbaijan has long played an important role in ensuring regional and European energy security. Today, it is further expanding this role through green energy corridors linking the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Türkiye, and Europe,” he emphasized.

Shahbazov also pointed to Europe’s accelerating green transition, uncertainty over future gas demand, and growing competition in global energy markets as factors underscoring the need for Azerbaijan to broaden its energy diplomacy and expand cooperation across wider geographic regions.

In this regard, he said, the D-8 framework offers new opportunities to strengthen Azerbaijan’s energy partnerships not only with Europe but also with countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

“The President of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to strengthening relations with the D-8. Since joining the organization, our country has actively contributed to its development. Initiatives to establish several D-8 centres in Azerbaijan, the D-8 High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue held within the framework of WUF13, and today’s meeting of energy ministers are the result of practical steps taken in this direction,” Shahbazov added.

By Vafa Guliyeva