Bozinovska: North Macedonia could become gas transport hub with Azerbaijan's support

North Macedonia is ready to collaborate with Azerbaijan on a range of projects aimed at enhancing its security, resilience, and energy independence, Sanja Bozinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, said during a meeting in Baku with Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov.

Report informs citing the North Macedonian ministry that the meeting focused on the development of energy cooperation between the two countries.

"The sides emphasized their mutual commitment to strengthening partnership in gas supply, with particular attention given to the potential for long-term gas supply agreements and possible investments in Macedonia’s gas infrastructure," the statement notes.

"(North) Macedonia can become a regional gas transportation hub. We are ready to immediately begin cooperation on specific projects, offering both expertise and serious opportunities for joint activities, should you show interest," Minister Shahbazov noted.

"Talks on enhancing our energy partnership have opened new prospects for North Macedonia. We are focused on specific steps to create conditions for gas supply and attract investments to modernize our country's energy infrastructure," emphasized Bozinovska.

The meeting also addressed potential cooperation between North Macedonia’s state energy company Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM) and Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR).

"Partnership between ESM and SOCAR is a key element of our energy transformation. A meeting was organized to intensify activities under the memorandum of cooperation signed during the COP29 summit in Baku," Shahbazov pointed out.

He also invited Bozinovska to attend the upcoming ministerial meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor and the third ministerial session of the Green Energy Council.

Bozinovska highlighted North Macedonia's readiness for active cooperation on several projects that would ensure the country's security, resilience, and energy independence. She emphasized that this meeting represents a significant step toward achieving these goals.

"Azerbaijan offers concrete cooperation mechanisms that will help North Macedonia establish itself as an important regional gas transportation hub. This is strategically crucial for the future of our energy sector and will benefit both the economy and citizens. We are committed to this and count on the support of international partners," stated the minister.

During the COP29 conference in November 2024, Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR) and North Macedonia's state-owned electricity company ESM (Elektrani na Severna Makedonija) signed a memorandum of understanding on gas supplies. The cooperation with SOCAR aims to support North Macedonia’s efforts to secure natural gas, while SOCAR seeks to expand its presence in the region’s market.