Optimism in Gas Transit Talks

CERNOBBIO, Italy (Reuters) – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism regarding ongoing discussions between Moscow and Kyiv aimed at maintaining Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe.

The European Union and Ukraine have requested Azerbaijan’s assistance to negotiate a gas transit agreement, which is set to expire by the end of this year.

Aliyev noted his “certain optimism” for a potential breakthrough, though he refrained from providing details.

During his third visit to Italy since 2020, Aliyev spoke at the TEHA Forum, which convenes annually to address geopolitical and economic issues.

While the EU has significantly reduced its Russian gas imports, some central European nations, such as Austria, still rely on Russian gas delivered through Ukraine.

“We want to support these countries and Ukraine, as a halt in transit could severely disrupt Ukraine’s gas distribution system,” stated Aliyev.

Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s crucial role in the EU’s energy security. He remarked that seven out of ten countries dependent on the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline system are EU members.

“This is likely why the European Commission recognizes Azerbaijan as a pan-European gas supplier and a reliable partner,” he added.

The Southern Gas Corridor, constructed to diversify energy supplies by transporting gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe, spans 3,500 km from Azerbaijan to Italy.

“With extensions and inter-connectors, the pipeline has significant potential for expansion; we are currently in negotiations with at least three European nations regarding gas supply,” Aliyev concluded.