Aliyev and Von der Leyen Discuss Energy, Transport, and Caucasus Peace Process

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in Baku, agreeing to strengthen cooperation across energy, transport, and regional connectivity. The meeting reaffirmed support for the peace process in the Caucasus region.

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Following the reduction of Russian gas supplies, Azerbaijan has become one of the key partners of the European Union to ensure energy security, and the Southern Gas Corridor has been consolidated as a successful supply diversification project.

Von der Leyen highlighted Azerbaijan's crucial role as a key energy partner for the European Union, especially following reductions in Russian gas supplies. She noted the Southern Gas Corridor's success in diversifying energy sources and announced plans for integrating Azerbaijan's energy system with the EU's, which is expected to boost gas exports. The EU is set to provide €200 million in grants through the Global Gateway program to foster transport and digital connectivity in the South Caucasus, aiming to attract up to €2 billion in investments for projects like the Baku International Sea Port and railway infrastructure.

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The next stage of cooperation will consist of integrating Azerbaijan's energy system with that of the European Union, which will also generate opportunities to increase gas exports.

Aliyev reported that Azerbaijan's natural gas is currently exported to ten EU countries, with supplies to the bloc increasing by approximately 65% since a strategic energy partnership was signed in 2022. He stated that half of the Caspian nation's gas exports go to EU member states. Azerbaijan continues to invest in transport infrastructure, including East-West and North-South international corridors, to adapt to changing geopolitical conditions.

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Azerbaijan's natural gas is currently exported to ten EU countries, and after the signing, in 2022, of the memorandum on strategic energy partnership, supplies to the community bloc have increased by approximately 65%.

Regarding relations with neighboring Armenia, Aliyev declared that "peace is already a reality," citing Baku's efforts to develop economic ties with Yerevan and lift restrictions on goods transiting through Azerbaijan. Von der Leyen welcomed the progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, assuring continued EU support for lasting peace in the region. The EU also allocated €20 million for peacebuilding projects, including demining, healthcare, and small business support.

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Peace is already a reality, highlighting the measures adopted by Baku to develop economic ties with Yerevan, as well as the lifting of restrictions on the supply of goods to Armenia through Azerbaijan.