From gas to digital bridges: Azerbaijan, Ukraine deepen strategic ties

Ukraine and Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, with energy, logistics and trade identified as key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuriy Husyev said.

Speaking in an interview with Ukrinform, Husyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing regional role following the restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“Azerbaijan, especially after restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty throughout its territory, is playing an increasingly important role in the region,” Husyev said, pointing to major international events hosted by the country, including COP29 in 2024 and the UN-backed World Urban Forum this year.

He also cited the peace declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia at the White House last August with the participation of US President Donald Trump, as well as the launch of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) initiative, saying both developments could have a significant impact on the broader Black Sea-Caspian region.

Husyev noted that Azerbaijan continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and highlighted the importance of Azerbaijani natural gas supplies to Ukraine through the Trans-Balkan Corridor.

He said cooperation between Ukraine’s Naftogaz and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR also envisages using Ukraine’s underground gas storage facilities to strengthen Europe’s energy security.

The ambassador also emphasized the potential of the TRIPP initiative and the expansion of the Middle Corridor to boost trade and transit links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe.

“Expanding Azerbaijan’s transit capacity and logistics links between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and further toward the Black Sea region creates opportunities to increase trade, supply energy resources and implement digital projects,” Husyev said.

He noted that Azerbaijani companies are already participating in the Digital Bridge project, which involves an undersea cable intended to connect Europe and the South Caucasus.

“Ukraine is also participating in this project,” the ambassador added.

By Vafa Guliyeva