Azernews.Az

The European Union and Azerbaijan share clear strategic energy objectives, head of the EU office in Baku Roland Kobia said at the VI Caspian Oil and Gas Trading and Transportation Conference in Baku on Monday.

"The opening of the Southern Gas Corridor will be the winning situation for the both sides," Kobia said. "By linking these two markets through the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan will increase its diversification of export routes, as well the EU will diversify its import sources."

"The consumption, as well as the dependence of the EU on the import of fossil fuel will increase," Kobia said. "The EU will need more gas in the future, that is why it is a potential market for the suppliers."

"The EU wants the Southern Gas Corridor to be transformed into reality and be opened," he said.

In that respect he welcomed the intergovernmental agreement on Trans Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP), signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey in June. "The EU hoped that TANAP will be realized as soon as possible."

The Southern Gas Corridor is a major energy project for the EU. It is intended to diversify routes and sources of supply. It is aimed at ensuring EU energy security. Gas which will be produced during the second stage of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects.