Azerbaijan established a model of reliable energy cooperation in an increasingly volatile world, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said at a panel discussion on "Global Cooperation for a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future" held within the framework of the 30th edition of the Baku Energy Forum and the 13th Caspian International Energy and Green Energy Exhibition on Tuesday.
Report quotes the minister as saying that thanks to secure and reliable transport routes — including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, and the Southern Gas Corridor — Azerbaijan has delivered oil to 25 countries and natural gas to 12 countries:
"Last year alone, over 75 percent of our oil exports and 51 percent of our gas exports were directed to European markets. In a relatively short period of time, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of the world’s leading countries in terms of the geographical reach of it’s pipeline gas exports, and currently ranks fourth among pipeline gas suppliers to the European Union, holding a 7 percent share."
"This reaffirms that the rational and balanced approach of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to all types of energy resources - combined with his decisive stance on the development of export infrastructure – has not only strengthened Azerbaijan’s strategic position on the modern energy map, but also established a model of reliable energy cooperation in an increasingly volatile world," the minister stressed.