BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 5. Montenegro has a
clear interest in importing Azerbaijani natural gas, which we view
as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security and
diversify supply sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin Ibrahimović said in an
exclusive interview with Trend, as he recently visited Baku.


“We see energy as one of the key development potentials and are
ready to intensify cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and
experience, particularly in the fields of gas and renewable energy
sources,” said Ibrahimović.


He recalled that during the visit to Baku, discussions were held
on next steps in energy cooperation, including the possibility of
organizing an intersectoral meeting to consider various modalities
of cooperation, as well as potential opportunities related to the
distribution of Azerbaijani gas to Montenegro.







“These issues will also be further discussed within the
framework of the upcoming session of the Joint Commission for
Economic Cooperation. In this context, it is particularly important
to emphasize the significance of the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline
(IAP), which Montenegro’s Energy Development Strategy until 2030
identifies as the most realistic option for the gasification of the
country at this stage.


The IAP is envisioned as the final segment of the Southern Gas
Corridor, through which gas from the Shah Deniz field in
Azerbaijan, via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, could be delivered to
countries in the region, including Montenegro. The project enjoys
strong support from the European Union and Euro-Atlantic partners,
is recognized as a Project of Common Interest, and is included in
the EU’s Single List of Infrastructure Projects, making it a
political and strategic priority. Given that Montenegro currently
lacks gas infrastructure, the potential implementation of this
project would open space for significant foreign investments and
enable stable natural gas supply, while simultaneously reducing
pollution and strengthening regional connectivity,” said the deputy
PM.