Azernews.Az

By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Azerbaijan is playing an important role in the diversification of energy sources and routes, new US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent said at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov on October 9.

Kent added that Azerbaijan plays an important role in the policy of diversifying energy sources and routes, and noted that the position of the U.S. on projects related to energy security remains unchanged.

In turn, Shahbazov spoke about the current situation in the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project and added that the significance of the project was also expressed at the high-level meetings that took place as part of the 27th World Gas Conference in Washington.

The meeting noted successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. in the energy sector.

The sides also discussed the necessary measures to ensure cooperation on the use of renewable energy sources and reforms in the energy sector, as well as processes taking place in the global energy market.

High assessment was given to the continued U.S. support for energy projects being implemented in Azerbaijan, including the Southern Gas Corridor project. An exchange of views took place on the project’s role in ensuring the energy security of countries of South-Eastern Europe and the prospects for expanding the Southern Gas Corridor project at a later stage.

The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor project was held in Baku on May 29.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

At the initial stage, the gas produced within the second phase of the development of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz gas and condensate field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. At a later stage other sources may be connected to the project.

Gas under the second stage of field development will be exported to Turkey and to European markets by expanding the South Caucasus gas pipeline and building the Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic (TAP) pipelines.

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