Azerbaijan's Role in EU Energy Security: Optimism Amid Russia-Ukraine Gas Talks

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions between Moscow and Kyiv regarding the continuation of Russian gas flows through Ukraine to European countries. The EU and Ukraine have sought Azerbaijan's help in these talks, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining energy security for several member states.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism on Friday about the potential breakthrough in talks between Moscow and Kyiv aimed at continuing Russian gas flows through Ukraine to multiple European nations.

The European Union and Ukraine have urged Azerbaijan to assist in facilitating discussions with Russia on a gas transit deal expiring at year-end. Speaking at the TEHA Forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Aliyev stated, 'We think that there is ground for a breakthrough, but it's premature to elaborate.'

President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's essential role in the EU's energy security, especially given that seven out of the ten countries reliant on the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline network are EU members. As the EU reduces its dependency on Russian imports, Azerbaijan's Southern Gas Corridor pipeline remains pivotal for Europe's energy diversification.

(With inputs from agencies.)