The role of Azerbaijan and Georgia in the energy security of Europe will increase – I. Aliyev

Baku/07.04.23/Turan: Azerbaijan and Georgia are countries that play an important role in the energy security of Europe, and it will increase more and more, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in Gabala (200 km northwest of Baku) after a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibishvili.

Aliyev stressed that in 2023 the total export of Azerbaijani gas will amount to 24.5 billion cubic meters. By 2027, Azerbaijan will export 20 billion cubic meters rubles to Europe alone. 

"We will actively cooperate in new areas of energy cooperation," Aliyev said. In particular, he recalled the agreement on the export of "green energy" between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary and Romania.

Aliyev also pointed to the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia in the implementation of the "Middle Corridor" project, discussion and resolution of issues of a unified tariff policy, cargo transportation. 

The agenda of the bilateral talks also includes the development of cooperation in the defense industry, education, culture, tourism, agriculture, and mutual trade, Aliyev said.

In turn, Garibashvili stressed that "Georgia is a reliable transit partner country."

He pointed out that Azerbaijan and Georgia have a huge potential for the production and supply of "green energy" to Europe via the Black Sea.

Referring to the development of the "Middle Corridor", Garibashvili pointed to the construction of a new seaport in Georgia, as well as the expansion of the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. 

Garibashvili also reported on the discussion with Aliyev of the situation in Ukraine.

"There are risks, challenges. There are challenges that have not been seen since the end of World War II. Our main goal is to ensure peace and stability. For, without this, there can be no development and prosperity," the Prime Minister said. ---06B---