Azerbaijan expands geography of gas exports to Europe - Aliyev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev

On September 18, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Martu Kos.

According to the head of state's website, Kos congratulated Aliyev "on the achievements in normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and promoting a peaceful agenda." She emphasized that the European Union will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the region and Azerbaijan's activities in the field of humanitarian demining.

Kos also noted that there is "successful cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan in the energy sector." In addition, she pointed to the great prospects for the further development of cooperation in the transport sector.

In turn, Aliyev recalled with satisfaction his meeting with the President of the European Council António Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, which took place in Tirana in May of this year.

According to him, "Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to promote a peaceful agenda in the region." Noting the good opportunities for establishing transport links in the region, Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan is carrying out "intensive work to create road and transport infrastructure in the liberated territories." In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the road and rail lines leading to Zangilan.

Referring to "Azerbaijan's contribution to Europe's energy security," the head of state noted that Azerbaijani gas is currently exported to 10 European countries, including 8 EU member states, and the geography of exports is expanding.

The meeting was informed about a significant increase in the volume of goods arriving from Central Asia to Azerbaijan via the Middle Corridor, and there was an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

The Eurocommissioner's program also includes meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economy of Azerbaijan, as well as a trip to the Aghdam region to get acquainted with the progress of demining work.

The official press release about Kos's visit did not say anything about whether the Eurocommissioner would meet with representatives of Azerbaijan's civil society.