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Energy security in the South Caucasus discussed at Russian Energy Week

16 October 2026 16:53 (UTC +04:00)

A roundtable titled "3+3 Platform: Energy Cooperation as a Pillar of Peace and Security in the South Caucasus" was held in Moscow as part of Russian Energy Week, APA's Moscow bureau reports.

Elshad Nasirov, Vice President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), delivered a speech at the event.

He stated that the South Caucasus countries are interested in reliable energy supplies, diversification of supplies, and expansion of economic and trade relations:

"Full utilization of the existing pipeline infrastructure opens up opportunities for the South Caucasus countries and neighboring states to strengthen energy supply security and expand cooperation in this field.

Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan have significant energy resources. Türkiye has developed energy infrastructure and substantial transit potential. Full utilization of existing gas and oil pipelines plays a key role in this process. The availability of multiple transport routes is particularly important for energy-producing countries that have no direct access to the open sea, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Therefore, the importance of using pipeline systems cannot be underestimated."

The SOCAR Vice President described the Shah Deniz gas condensate field development project, which brings together the interests of companies from different countries, as an example of regional cooperation. He emphasized that the project clearly demonstrates the interconnected nature of energy interests.

Nasirov noted that Azerbaijan's cooperation with Türkiye and Georgia is not limited to energy supplies, as SOCAR has made major investments in the Turkish economy, including the Petkim petrochemical complex and the STAR oil refinery:

"The company is involved in various aspects of the energy supply chain in Georgia, ranging from gas supply and distribution to the operation of a network of filling stations," he said.

The SOCAR Vice President also spoke about swap cooperation with Iran. He stated that under this cooperation, Azerbaijan supplies gas to Iran, while Iran supplies gas to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Nasirov also highlighted the importance of energy cooperation in strengthening peace in the South Caucasus.

"In December last year, we began supplying gasoline and diesel fuel to Armenia for the first time. This is an important example of how practical cooperation in the energy sector can contribute to strengthening peace in the region."