Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline to diversify supply, enhance Türkiye-Azerbaijan energy cooperation Erdogan reveals topics of discussions with Aliyev

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed the main topics of his recent discussions with Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, including the new Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline and peace talks with Armenia.

Erdogan stated that the pipeline would meet all of Nakhchivan’s natural gas needs for at least the next 30 years, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

"The Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline will not only secure Nakhchivan's natural gas supply but will also significantly enhance the region's energy security for decades to come," Erdogan said. He emphasized the strategic importance of the project in diversifying gas supplies to Nakhchivan and improving the welfare of both the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Türkiye's Igdir Province.

The official opening ceremony for the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline was held on March 5 via a video link, with both President Erdogan and President Aliyev attending the event. The pipeline, with a current capacity of 730 million cubic meters, has the potential for future expansion to accommodate growing demand.

The Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline is an important infrastructure project aimed at providing natural gas to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region from the Turkish province of Iğdır. The pipeline is designed to carry up to 500 million cubic metres of natural gas per year. This volume is expected to meet the gas consumption needs of Nakhchivan, which was previously reliant on supplies from Iran. The pipeline spans a distance of approximately 85 kilometres and connects the Iğdır region in Türkiye to Nakhchivan, delivering natural gas from Azerbaijan's energy resources.

The pipeline will bring natural gas from Azerbaijan’s gas fields, specifically the Shah Deniz field, which is a key source of Azerbaijan's natural gas exports.

In his statement, Erdogan also highlighted discussions with Aliyev on regional issues, particularly focusing on peace negotiations with Armenia. The Turkish leader stressed the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to foster stability and peace in the South Caucasus.

The Iğdır-Nakhchivan pipeline is seen as a key development in strengthening energy cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, ensuring the long-term energy needs of both regions are met.

By Vafa Guliyeva