Azerbaijani president expresses hope in starting investments in Albania to build gas distribution network

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope Friday for the immediate start of investments in Albania to build a gas distribution network.

"As we were informed today by members of the delegations, everything goes according to the schedule, and by the end of the year, we will have already the feasibility study of that. I hope we will start immediately the investment that will be purely Azerbaijani investments in Albania to build a gas distribution network,” Aliyev said in a news conference with his Albanian counterpart, Bajram Begaj, in the capital, Baku.

Aliyev expressed Baku's anticipation of increased natural gas demand from Azerbaijan from additional EU member countries before the end of 2023, saying he and Begaj previously discussed the project of gasification of Albania.

He further said he and Begaj discussed topics concerning trade, economic matters and potential investment prospects.

“Once again, I reiterated that Azerbaijani investors are ready to seriously consider investment projects in Albania, whether it's in tourism or agriculture, or in any other area,” he said.

Aliyev also said cooperation between the two countries primarily centered around the energy sector, particularly the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) running through Albania, and added that the collaboration holds importance for multiple countries in ensuring energy security.

“The number of these countries is growing, Azerbaijan's gas export to the European Union market is growing, the volumes are growing, and the geography is being expanded,” he added.

- Albania an established gas transit country

Begaj highlighted that Tirana and Baku are closely interconnected due to collaborations in the energy sector, and said TAP is already a “consolidated success story” that has brought numerous economic and strategic benefits to Albania in bolstering its status as a regional energy hub.

“The Ionian Adriatic Gas Pipeline will contribute even more to Albanians' role as a gas distributor in the region. I reiterated to President Aliyev Albania's willingness to take quick steps in the framework of gasification of the country in close cooperation with Azerbaijan,” he said.
Begaj, on behalf of Albania, stated that Albania has become an established gas transit country, fulfilling its objective to serve as a gas transmitter and receiver. The nation is fully committed to achieving that goal and strengthening cooperation in the field.

He further welcomed the increased attention of Azerbaijan in the development of regional energy projects, which he said will bring Western Balkan countries closer and strengthen their energy security position.

Begaj also said Albania closely follows the peace negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reiterating that Tirana always supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.