Energy sector central to Azerbaijan–Germany relations, ambassador says

Germany’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ralph Horlemann, stated that the energy sector plays a key role in shaping trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Germany.

Speaking during a farewell meeting with Azerbaijani journalists, as reported by local media, Horlemann said that in addition to Azerbaijani oil imports, three German companies have already signed contracts with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) for gas supplies.

He noted that Germany does not receive Azerbaijani gas directly due to the absence of pipeline connections between the two countries.

“However, gas supplied by Azerbaijan to the European Union mainly goes to Italy and is then traded on the single European energy market. Thanks to various swap operations between countries and energy companies, Germany indirectly consumes Azerbaijani gas, mainly through exchange deals with Italy and Austria,” Horlemann said.

He added that this mechanism contributes to stabilising the European energy market and helps reduce pressure following the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict and disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ambassador also said that trade relations between Germany and Azerbaijan remain balanced. He noted that Azerbaijan’s main exports to Germany are oil, while Germany exports machinery, equipment, electronics, and automobiles to Azerbaijan.

By Tamilla Hasanova