BAKU — As the war in Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets, European Council President António Costa met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday to expand EU-Azerbaijan cooperation in defence, security, energy, digital development, and transport.
Costa expressed the EU’s full solidarity with Azerbaijan, following Iran’s recent attack on the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. Since the start of the Iran conflict, Azerbaijan has facilitated the evacuation of around 1,800 people from Iran, including EU nationals.
“Let me extend my sincere appreciation for the assistance that Azerbaijan has provided to European citizens to facilitate their safe repatriation from Iran,” Costa said.
New Framework for Cooperation
The EU and Azerbaijan are developing a new framework to broaden relations beyond energy, focusing on security, defence, energy, digital development, and transport. Costa emphasized that energy security is central to EU-Azerbaijan relations, with the Southern Gas Corridor playing a key role in diversifying Europe’s gas, oil, and coal supplies.
“With the war in Iran shaking the global energy market, this partnership is more important than ever,” Costa said.
The framework also encourages private investment and European clean-tech involvement in Azerbaijan’s energy transition, with potential additional gas deliveries to Europe under the 2022 memorandum of understanding, aiming to double supply to 20 billion cubic metres. Currently, 16 European countries receive Azerbaijani gas, including 10 EU member states.
Connectivity and Economic Growth
Costa highlighted transport connectivity, particularly the Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia, as a strategic priority. Completing the Baku-Nakhchivan rail link would enhance trade resilience, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
South Caucasus Peace and Regional Stability
The meeting also underscored the importance of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Costa praised the Washington Agreements and reaffirmed the EU’s support for their implementation. President Aliyev noted that long-term peace is now established, with Azerbaijan facilitating petroleum supply and transit of goods to Armenia, creating new regional economic opportunities.
Armenia’s EU Integration Efforts
Simultaneously, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the European Parliament, emphasizing Armenia’s EU integration ambitions and supporting the peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
“Where is peace perfect? Where has perfect peace ever existed? The will to care for peace brings it as close to perfection as possible,” Pashinyan said.
