Since 2015, when the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic was signed, bilateral relations have been developing successfully.
“Elchi” reports that this was stated by Elchin Amirbayov, the Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments, in an interview with “Euro” (Financial Times) magazine during his business trip to the Czech Republic.
During the interview, an exchange of views took place regarding the Azerbaijan-Czech strategic partnership, the growing importance of the Middle Corridor and, in this regard, Azerbaijan’s transformation into an important transport hub between Europe and Asia, the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process, as well as regional security issues.
E. Amirbayov pointed out that a significant part of the crude oil imported by the Czech Republic is supplied from Azerbaijan, and emphasized that energy cooperation between the two countries is not limited only to the oil sector, and there is mutual interest in expanding cooperation in natural gas, renewable energy, and other areas.
In addition, it was noted that there are opportunities for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic in defense, industry, technologies, and other fields.
Special attention was paid to energy security issues in the interview. E. Amirbayov noted that Azerbaijan’s contribution to Europe’s energy security did not emerge against the backdrop of recent geopolitical crises, and that our country has played an important role in Europe’s energy supply since 2006. In this regard, the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, as well as the Southern Gas Corridor, which was completed in 2020, was emphasized. It was stated that Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 16 countries, 10 of which are member states of the European Union. E. Amirbayov pointed out that Azerbaijan has proven itself as a loyal, long-term, and reliable partner, regardless of market volatility and geopolitical complexities.
E. Amirbayov stated that Europe is currently looking for additional energy volumes against the backdrop of instability in both the north and the south. Azerbaijan is ready to meet this demand. However, in order to increase natural gas supplies in particular, there is a need to expand existing infrastructure, including the transmission capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor. In this regard, it is important to attract investments and financial support mechanisms from European Union financial institutions.
Speaking about the growing importance of the Middle Corridor against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation, E. Amirbayov noted that the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan play an important role in terms of ensuring Europe’s access to new markets and regions rich in natural resources.
The interview also touched upon the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and the restoration of regional connections. E. Amirbayov noted that for many years, due to the conflict, there were no direct contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the main routes in the region passed only through Georgia and Turkey. He stated that in the new situation that has emerged, the restoration of transport and communication links can serve to strengthen peace and strengthen the economic potential of the South Caucasus. E. Amirbayov stated that with the start of the Zangezur corridor, a shorter and more profitable route for cargo transportation will be formed in addition to the Georgian route.
In this context, the issue of possible support from the European Union for infrastructure projects was also touched upon. E. Amirbayov noted that it is mainly about the restoration of approximately 174 kilometers of railway in the territory of Nakhchivan, which existed before the conflict but later fell into disrepair. It was stated that the preparation of a feasibility study for the project in question has already been started by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The involvement of the European Union’s financial resources in this project will serve not only the development of transport corridors but also the strengthening of long-term peace in the region.
Answering a question about the current state of the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, E. Amirbayov stated that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia was initialed in Washington in August last year, and the parties are currently living in de facto peace conditions. He also drew attention to the confidence-building measures taken in this direction over the past period, noting that the restriction on transit cargo transportation to Armenia has been lifted, fuel is being supplied, and mutual visits of civil societies of the two countries have been carried out.
E. Amirbayov noted that Armenia’s internal political processes are also of great importance from the perspective of the peace agenda. He emphasized that the results of the parliamentary elections to be held in Armenia and the referendum on the new constitution could play a decisive role in terms of signing a peace agreement between the two countries. It was stated that the absence of any provision in Armenia’s new constitution that could be interpreted as a territorial claim against Azerbaijan is of fundamental importance for the signing of a peace agreement and ensuring long-term stability.
Regional security issues were also touched upon during the interview. E. Amirbayov noted that Azerbaijan supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through international law and diplomatic means. Commenting on the tension around Iran, E. Amirbayov emphasized that this situation causes serious concern for the entire region, and the spread of instability could create risks for security, economic projects, energy, and connectivity initiatives.