Baku, January 28, 2024, The Europe Today: Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov engaged in discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Alparslan Bayraktar, to explore and strengthen strategic energy partnerships between the two nations. The focal point of their talks centered around the Southern Gas Corridor, a significant energy infrastructure project connecting the Shah Deniz gas field in Azerbaijan to Europe.
The Southern Gas Corridor comprises critical components, including the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) in Turkey. This infrastructure serves as a vital conduit, facilitating the transport of natural gas from Azerbaijan to European markets. The corridor spans the South Caucasus Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, contributing to regional energy security and diversification.
A noteworthy development in the Azerbaijan-Turkey energy collaboration is the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline. The memorandum of understanding for this project was signed on December 15, 2020, by Azerbaijan and Turkey. The pipeline initiative is a joint venture between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Turkey’s Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ).
The Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline holds strategic importance, enhancing energy connectivity and ensuring a more efficient gas supply to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in Azerbaijan. Currently, Nakhchivan primarily receives gas from Iran, and the new pipeline project aims to diversify energy sources and bolster regional energy security.
The discussions between the Azerbaijani and Turkish Energy Ministers underscore the commitment of both nations to advancing energy cooperation. The collaborative efforts are not only significant for the bilateral relationship but also contribute to broader regional energy dynamics, fostering stability and resilience in the energy sector. As Azerbaijan and Turkey continue to strengthen their strategic energy partnership, the Southern Gas Corridor and associated projects play a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape of the region.
