Czech Republic, Azerbaijan eager to expand energy cooperation
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By Sara Israfilbayova
The Czech Republic intends to further expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector.
Deputy Minister of Energy Gulmammad Javadov, addressing a meeting with representatives of Czech oil, gas and energy companies, stressed that the Czech Republic is of special interest for Azerbaijan, the energy ministry reported on September 21.
“As a producer and exporter of oil and gas, Azerbaijan is also of great importance for the Czech Republic,” the ministry said. “Around 30 percent of the total oil import of the Czech Republic accounts for Azerbaijani oil. The trade turnover between the two countries is growing from year to year due to oil products.”
Javadov also stressed the energy relations between the two countries.
The Czech Republic appreciates the role of the Southern Gas Corridor project in ensuring the energy security of Europe and is ready at any time to cooperate with Azerbaijan as part of this project, the ministry said.
The discussions focused on the definition of new goals in the energy sector within the Strategic Roadmap for the Development of Public Services, as well as the importance of using European experience in achieving these goals.
The Czech companies have submitted their proposals for rendering diversified services that enable to apply high quality standards in all areas of the energy sector.
There are ample opportunities for launching a new stage of cooperation between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan, according to the ministry.
Javadov added that meetings with the representatives of Azerishiq OJSC (energy operator of Azerbaijan) and Azerenergy JSC, the country’s main electricity producer, will be organized to assess the proposals.
The Azerbaijani energy ministry is always ready to support the expansion of relations with the Czech Republic, Javadov said.
Today, Azerbaijan significantly increases the energy security of the Czech Republic and the national oil provides about a quarter of the annual consumption of the Czech Republic, therefore Azerbaijan, which has made a significant contribution to the diversification of Czech energy resources, has become an important strategic partner of this European country.
The Czech entrepreneurs play active role in Azerbaijan’s economy investing $1.3 billion so far. Czech companies as contractors are involved in various projects in Azerbaijan, totaling $16 billion.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic amounted to $201.011 million in January-June 2017.
The Czech Republic ranks the 12th in the list of main importers of Azerbaijani goods.
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