Baku talks boost Serbia’s energy security, strategic partnership, minister says

Serbia is ramping up its energy partnership with Azerbaijan, aiming to expand natural gas supplies and advance joint infrastructure projects. Following high-level talks in Baku, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović outlined plans for a new gas-fired power plant near Niš, direct air links between Belgrade and Baku, and broader cooperation designed to strengthen Serbia’s energy security and support economic growth. 

Đedović Handanović shared on social media that she met with Azerbaijani Finance Minister Sahil Babayev to discuss comprehensive bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that energy resources form the backbone of trade between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Since the launch of our cooperation three years ago, the volume of natural gas supplied from Azerbaijan has doubled. We are continuing negotiations on energy deliveries for the upcoming period, as well as on joint infrastructure projects,” the minister noted.

She also highlighted plans to open direct air links between Belgrade and Baku next month, alongside a series of high-level visits.

“I am pleased that today's talks deepened our dialogue, marking a significant step toward enhancing Serbia's energy security and expanding our strategic partnership,” Đedović-Handanović wrote.

During meetings with Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and SOCAR officials, the minister discussed concrete plans for a gas-fired power plant near the city of Niš, a project expected to transform Serbia’s energy landscape.

“We discussed timelines for the construction of the facility for electricity and heat generation. This project strengthens the partnership established by Presidents Aleksandar Vučić and Ilham Aliyev,” she said.

The planned power plant is projected to become a cornerstone of Serbia’s energy system, offering high efficiency and minimal emissions. It will also fully utilize existing infrastructure and diversify energy sources.

“This is an investment in southern Serbia, in industry, and in job creation. It lays the foundation for a future where energy supports technological progress—from artificial intelligence to new data centers,” Đedović Handanović concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva