Eldaniz Amirov: Energy diplomacy plays important role in boosting Azerbaijan's geopolitical power

Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy plays an important role in strengthening the country's reputation on the world stage and expanding its geopolitical influence.

Economist and expert Eldaniz Amirov told Report while commenting on President Ilham Aliyev's remarks during Baku Energy Week.

According to him, the level of Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy is reflected in the fact that the country views its energy potential not only as an economic tool, but also as a strategic resource.

"This is clearly demonstrated by the balanced and pragmatic diversification of energy resources at the state level, in other words, the diversification of exports. Today, when we look at Azerbaijan through the prism of investment attractiveness, its investment activity and export directions, it is clear that the country has set a strategic course, and we are now witnessing its success. Azerbaijan's energy diplomacy can be regarded as a form that has emerged at the intersection of the country's economic and political diplomacy," he said.

Amirov stressed that, thanks to the oil strategy it began implementing more than 30 years ago, Azerbaijan diversified its energy sources and, as a reliable partner, played an important role in ensuring the energy security of Eurasian countries, especially those in Eastern Europe.

"In the subsequent period, after the implementation of the gas strategy began, the country also started contributing to the protection of Europe's energy security through the Southern Gas Corridor. After the Russia-Ukraine confrontation, demand for Azerbaijani gas from Eastern European countries increased further. Thus, Azerbaijan's role in addressing Europe's recurring energy problems and eliminating threats to energy security has become even more noticeable," he said.

Speaking about the challenges Azerbaijan faced during the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, the expert said the construction of the pipeline became possible precisely thanks to National Leader Heydar Aliyev's determination and unwavering political will.

"They did not want to invest in the construction of this pipeline, claimed that Azerbaijani oil would not be sufficient, and sent negative signals to global investors. At the next stage, construction began on the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the main segments of the Southern Gas Corridor. As with Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, there were financial problems during the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor, and clear pressure was exerted on the Azerbaijani government and state. The implementation of these projects was undoubtedly made possible thanks to the determination of President Ilham Aliyev, the worthy successor of Heydar Aliyev's political course," Amirov said.

According to him, alternative energy projects are also currently being implemented in Azerbaijan.

"The noteworthy point here is that both Asian and European countries support us in our alternative energy strategy. In other words, today the number of supporters of our energy strategy is greater," he said.