Minister: SGC ensures uninterrupted flow of Azerbaijani gas to regional, int'l markets

Today, the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), one of the most significant projects of the 21st century, provides a continuous flow of Azerbaijani gas to regional and international markets, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said at the 6th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, chaired by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The minister noted that Azerbaijan's recognition as a reliable supplier and important partner in ensuring energy security as a gas country is based on a balanced energy policy aimed at accurate forecasting, international cooperation, and development.

"We are in favor of a balance between energy security and the environment. Therefore, from the very beginning, as a new source of energy supply, we have tried to diversify the routes and supply markets, as well as to diversify resources in the energy balance. The current energy crisis also confirms that this is a more rational approach.," he said.

In his speech, the minister said that a rational solution to the challenge of the energy transition is possible not by removing natural gas from the energy balance, but by supporting its role as a bridge in this process. In this context, the vision and coordinated action of gas market participants - consumer and producer countries - is one of the key factors for stability in the energy market.

He also expressed confidence that the world's growing demand for gas as a clean energy resource in the energy transition will be met through mutually beneficial cooperation and that the GECF will contribute to this process.

The summit was attended by the presidents of Iran, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Mozambique, the prime ministers of Libya, Trinidad, and Tobago, and ministers of 12 countries.

The summit participants adopted the Doha Declaration.