Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key energy supplier for a broad regional market through its expanding oil and gas infrastructure, the country’s Deputy Minister of Energy Elnur Soltanov said.
Speaking at a panel session of the Belgrade Energy Forum focused on the energy transition in Southeast Europe, Soltanov said the country’s energy projects are serving both domestic needs and wider regional demand, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
Soltanov stated that Azerbaijan is currently a supplier of natural gas to an extensive region.
“At the beginning of the 20th century, Azerbaijan accounted for more than 80% of global oil production, and the country was one of the pioneers of the oil revolution. During World War II, Azerbaijan supplied about 80% of the oil needed by Soviet and allied forces to the front,” he said.
He added that following independence, Azerbaijan significantly expanded its oil sector and developed pipeline infrastructure reaching the Mediterranean Sea. “Most of this oil is supplied to European countries,” Soltanov noted.
The deputy minister also said that since 2000, Azerbaijan has actively developed its natural gas transportation infrastructure and now holds a leading position in the sector.
Looking ahead, Soltanov said the country’s strategic objective is to become a leader in the “green energy revolution.”
“We are meeting the energy needs not only of Azerbaijan but of the entire region thanks to our energy projects. Azerbaijan benefits both itself and the wider region,” he said.
He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s role extends beyond gas exports, stating that the country “exports energy security” and underlining the importance of sourcing energy from reliable suppliers.
By Vafa Guliyeva
