Elchin Amirbayov: Azerbaijan key to Europe’s energy supply since 2006

Elchin Amirbayov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan, said bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic have developed successfully since the signing of a strategic partnership declaration in 2015.

Speaking in an interview with Euro magazine, published by the Financial Times group, during a visit to the Czech Republic, Amirbayov discussed Azerbaijan–Czech ties, the growing importance of the Middle Corridor and Azerbaijan’s role as a transport hub linking Europe and Asia, as well as the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalisation process and regional security issues.

He noted that a significant share of the crude oil imported by the Czech Republic is supplied by Azerbaijan, adding that energy cooperation between the two countries extends beyond oil to include natural gas, renewable energy and other areas of mutual interest.

Amirbayov also said there is potential to expand cooperation in defence, industry, technology and other sectors.

In the interview, Elchin Amirbayov placed particular emphasis on energy security, saying Azerbaijan’s contribution to Europe’s energy security did not emerge from recent geopolitical crises but dates back to 2006.

He highlighted the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, completed in 2020, noting that Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 16 countries, 10 of them European Union member states.

Amirbayov said Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable long-term partner, regardless of market volatility and geopolitical complexity.

He added that Europe is seeking additional energy volumes amid instability both to the north and south, and that Azerbaijan stands ready to help meet that demand. However, he noted that increasing gas supplies would require expanding existing infrastructure, including the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor, and called for investment and financial support from European Union institutions.

Touching on the growing importance of the Middle Corridor, Amirbayov said the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan play a key role in providing Europe with access to new markets and resource-rich regions.

He also addressed the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process and the restoration of regional connectivity, noting that for many years there were no direct links between the two countries due to the conflict, with major routes running via Georgia and Türkiye.

Amirbayov said the restoration of transport and communication links could help consolidate peace and unlock the South Caucasus’ economic potential, adding that the launch of the Zangazur corridor would create a shorter and more cost-effective route for cargo alongside the Georgian route.

He also referred to potential European Union support for infrastructure projects, including the restoration of a roughly 174-kilometre railway in Nakhchivan that had fallen into disrepair after the conflict.

He said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has already begun preparing a feasibility study for the project, adding that EU financing would contribute not only to transport development but also to long-term peace in the region.

Responding to a question on the current state of the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalisation process, Elchin Amirbayov said a peace agreement between the two countries was initialled in Washington in August 2025 and that the sides are now living in a de facto state of peace.

He pointed to confidence-building steps taken since then, including the lifting of restrictions on transit cargo to Armenia, the supply of fuel and mutual visits by civil society representatives.

Amirbayov said domestic political developments in Armenia are also important for the peace agenda, noting that upcoming parliamentary elections and a referendum on a new constitution could play a decisive role in the signing of a peace agreement.

He added that the absence in Armenia’s new constitution of any provisions that could be interpreted as territorial claims against Azerbaijan would be crucial for securing a deal and ensuring long-term stability.

Touching on regional security, Amirbayov said Azerbaijan supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through international law and diplomacy.

Commenting on tensions around Iran, he said the situation is a serious concern for the entire region and warned that instability could pose risks to security, economic projects, energy and connectivity initiatives.

Elchin Amirbayov also gave an interview to CNN Prima News on April 14.