Izmir hosted the 4th Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum, co-chaired by the Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye Alparslan Bayraktar.
In his opening remarks, Minister Shahbazov emphasized that Azerbaijan and Türkiye have long been not only partners in the energy sector but also strategic allies shaping the geo-economic landscape of the region, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development, and jointly advancing international energy security. He underlined that relations based on the principle of one nation, two states and driven by the trust and confidence of the Heads of State have elevated Azerbaijan–Türkiye cooperation to an unprecedented level in history, becoming the driving force behind all major energy projects. Minister Shahbazov noted that up to date, Azerbaijan has exported over 120 bcm of gas to Türkiye. More than 35 bcm have been delivered via TANAP to Türkiye, and over 50 bcm to Europe. During January-August alone, 6.6 bcm were supplied to Türkiye, and 8.3 bcm to European countries through Türkiye. Thanks to the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Syria is also contributing to energy security, and 60 million cubic meters of gas has been sent to this country in a short time.
The Minister of Energy stated: "Azerbaijan–Türkiye energy partnership has entered a new stage, reinforcing our countries as long-term partners in the field of oil, gas, and renewable energy, while strengthening our positions regionally and globally amid changing geopolitical realities. The commissioning of the Iğdır–Nakhchivan gas pipeline, TPAO’s participation in the Shafag-Asiman project, the start of gas supply to Syria, the establishment of green energy interconnectors, and agreements on the Zangezur Corridor, also known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, are writing a new, stronger chapter in our energy cooperation.”
It was emphasized that the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, which will enable the transportation of hydrocarbons and green energy from the Caspian Sea and Central Asia to Türkiye and international markets via Nakhchivan. This corridor will not only connect the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, but also will add momentum to energy and communication ties with Türkiye and other Turkic states, and turn our countries into one of the main centers of the Middle Corridor for energy, transport and transit. In this context, the importance of accelerating the establishment of electricity interconnections between Nakhchivan and Türkiye was underlined. Along with the Nakhchivan and Zangazur routes for the export and transit of green energy, the implementation of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye-Bulgaria interconnector was also discussed.
The speech also touched upon the projects of 13 small hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity of 4 MW implemented by Turkish companies in Kalbajar and Lachin, as well as 240 MW wind power plants in Kalbajar. It was stressed that the Forum further strengthened the position of the Azerbaijan–Türkiye energy alliance as a guarantor of long-term energy security by fostering cooperation across a wide spectrum — from hydrocarbons to mining, and from renewable energy to energy regulation.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, noted that Türkiye and Azerbaijan, with their geostrategic location, abundant natural resources, and developed infrastructure, play complementary roles while contributing significantly to regional and global energy supply security. He emphasized that the two countries, with their robust infrastructure and strong ties, will continue to remain reliable partners in both regional supply security and global markets.
During the opening session, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues Mr. Mukhtar Babayev also addressed the Forum, highlighting bilateral cooperation in the field of energy transition and solidarity on COP29 initiatives as important contributions to climate action.
Within the framework of the Forum, reports were presented by the working groups on hydrocarbons and petrochemicals, electricity market, electricity distribution and transmission, regulation, energy efficiency, and mining. A roundtable with the participation of energy companies was also held. The discussions led to agreements on strengthening energy security, continuing cooperation within global and regional energy platforms, joint implementation of bilateral and multilateral projects in the power sector, as well as supporting energy and mining investment projects in Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and third countries. At the conclusion of the event, the Protocol of the 4th Türkiye–Azerbaijan Energy Forum was signed.
