Baku: Energy cooperation between Trkiye and Azerbaijan not only benefits both countries but also strengthens energy security across the region and Europe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in a message sent to the Baku Energy Week. The message was read out by Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar during the event in Azerbaijan's capital.
According to Anadolu Agency, recent global geopolitical developments have underscored the importance of Trkiye-Azerbaijan cooperation on energy security. This collaboration is marked by key infrastructure projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and South Caucasus pipelines, and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), which continue to enhance energy security in the region and Europe.
The Turkish president highlighted the Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline, inaugurated in March, as the latest example of successful energy cooperation between the two nations. He noted that the pipeline's operation has strengthened energy supply security in the Nakhchivan region.
Erdogan also mentioned that increasing the electricity connection between Trkiye and Azerbaijan is a project of strategic importance. He emphasized the need to enhance interconnection capacities between Trkiye and Nakhchivan, and Trkiye and Georgia. A memorandum of understanding has been signed for green electricity transmission and trade to establish a new electricity interconnection line involving Trkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bulgaria.
The president expressed the goal to complete this project, which is seen as a historic step for energy security and regional prosperity, as soon as possible. He also noted the significant potential for new natural gas projects between Trkiye and Azerbaijan.
Erdogan explained that Azerbaijan plays a strategic role in the global energy market by supplying substantial volumes of gas to both Trkiye and Europe. He indicated the opportunity to strengthen cooperation on the export of Turkmen gas through Azerbaijan and Trkiye, benefiting all parties and contributing to regional prosperity by diversifying supply routes.