Minister: Azerbaijan to strengthen regional cooperation on energy projects

Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has announced plans to expand joint initiatives with partners on regional gas supply projects and in the field of renewable energy.

Shahbazov made these remarks at the energy forum in Istanbul during the session titled “Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The minister highlighted the successful collaboration between SOCAR and BOTAŞ in implementing major projects, including the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP).

He noted that these initiatives demonstrate the critical importance of international cooperation in meeting the growing energy demand and combating climate change.

Shahbazov also emphasised the significance of natural gas, which, alongside renewable energy sources, continues playing a key role in ensuring energy security. 

“We must ensure the necessary regional cooperation to address all the challenges ahead. We have ambitious plans to further expand this cooperation,” he added.

Moreover, a new energy working group session between Azerbaijan and Hungary, agreed during a meeting between Shahbazov and Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó at the Istanbul Energy Forum, is set to take place in 2025.

The discussions focused on key issues, including gas supplies from Azerbaijan, cooperation with Hungarian companies in the oil and gas sector, and the implementation of the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe green corridor project (Black Sea Energy).

The meeting also addressed the activities of the joint venture and provided an update on the current technical and economic feasibility study for the project, including Bulgaria’s potential involvement.

The conversation also highlighted the role of international support for energy initiatives under COP29, which is expected to contribute to advancing energy security and the transition to green energy.

By Naila Huseynova