Global Courant
ISTANBUL
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope on Friday that investments to build a gas distribution network in Albania will start as soon as possible.
“According to the information we received from the members of the delegation today, everything is going according to the schedule and we will have done the feasibility study by the end of the year. I hope we will start the investment that will belong entirely to Azerbaijan as soon as possible.” At a press conference with his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, in the capital Baku, Aliyev said that investments were made in Albania to build a gas distribution network.
Aliyev expressed Baku’s expectation of an increase in natural gas demand from Azerbaijan from other EU member states before the end of 2023, and said that he and Begaj had previously discussed Albania’s gasification project.
He also said that he and Begaj discussed issues related to trade, economic issues and potential investment prospects.
“I reiterated once again that Azerbaijani investors are ready to seriously consider investment projects in Albania, whether in tourism, agriculture or any other field,” he said.
Aliyev stated that the cooperation between the two countries is primarily centered on the energy sector, especially the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) passing through Albania, adding that cooperation is important in ensuring energy security for many countries.
The number of these countries is increasing, Azerbaijan’s gas export to the European Union market is increasing, the volumes are increasing and the geography is expanding,” he said.
Albania is an established gas transit country
Begaj underlined that Tirana and Baku are closely linked due to their cooperation in the energy sector, and said TAP is already an “enhanced success story” in reinforcing its status as a regional energy hub, bringing many economic and strategic benefits to Albania.
“The Ionian Adriatic Gas Pipeline will further contribute to the role of Albanians as a gas distributor in the region. I reiterated to Albanian President Aliyev his willingness to take quick steps within the framework of gasification of the country in close cooperation with Azerbaijan.”
On behalf of Albania, Begaj noted that Albania has become an established gas transit country, fulfilling its goal of serving as a gas transmitter and receiver. The nation is fully committed to achieving this goal and strengthening cooperation on the ground.
He also welcomed Azerbaijan’s growing interest in the development of regional energy projects, which he said would bring the Western Balkan countries closer and strengthen their energy security positions.
Begaj also stated that Albania closely follows the peace negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and reiterated that Tirana always supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
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