Serbian leader proud of growing ties with Azerbaijan, hails President Aliyev's role

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has expressed his pride in the close and growing friendship between Serbia and Azerbaijan, particularly highlighting the key role of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. 

Vučić made these remarks during a speech on a local TV channel, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

“The President of Azerbaijan, our great friend Ilham Aliyev, has made a crucial decision. While some countries may experience a gas shortage, Serbia will continue to receive gas supplies. This decision is of immense importance for our country and people,” said Vučić.

He continued, emphasizing the strength of the bilateral relationship: “I am proud of our friendship with Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev. I am waiting for him in Belgrade at any time convenient for him. We have much to discuss regarding our cooperation.”

Vučić highlighted the strategic ties between the two nations, noting their expansion across various sectors of social life. "These ties are constantly developing, and this gas supply decision is just one indicator that we can always rely on such supportive friends," he added.

Notably, on January 11, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić revealed that Azerbaijan had informed Serbia of the suspension of its daily gas supplies, amounting to 1.7 million cubic meters, due to technical issues at Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field. However, on January 12, BP Azerbaijan announced that efforts were underway to resolve the issue at the platform as swiftly as possible. Later that same day, President Vučić shared an update, expressing his gratitude after receiving confirmation from Azerbaijan that gas supplies to Serbia would not be interrupted, with special thanks to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

To recall, on November 15, 2023, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Serbian company Srbijagas signed an agreement on the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia. According to the contract, up to 400 million cubic meters of gas will be supplied annually from Azerbaijan to Serbia from 2024 to 2026, with the possibility of increasing the volume starting in 2027.

Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia began in February 2024. In September 2024, SOCAR and Srbijagas signed an additional agreement for the sale and purchase of gas at a rate of 1 million cubic meters per day, covering the period from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025.

By Khagan Isayev