BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Azerbaijan and Italy can strengthen relationship with the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told Trend in an interview.
He noted this infrastructure – whose implementation saw both Italy and Azerbaijan deeply committed - will contribute greatly to the growth, stability and prosperity of all actors involved. In terms of energy security, the creation of TAP has proven to be a far-sighted endeavor in the current juncture, as the only energy project in Europe not relying on Russia’s supplies.
"TAP strengthened our role as a regional gas hub in Europe, while ensuring greater competitiveness for our businesses and benefits for consumers in terms of reduced energy prices. Our energetic partnership with Azerbaijan has grown over the years. Strengthening it is a priority for the Italian government. That can surely happen with the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor," the minister said.
In his words, Azerbaijan is one of Italy's main energy partners.
"It is our first oil supplier, and now also the third supplier of natural gas. Energy therefore represents a crucial aspect of our bilateral cooperation, which has strengthened the strategic nature of our friendship over the years," the minister added.
This infrastructure – whose implementation saw both Italy and Azerbaijan deeply committed - will contribute greatly to the growth, stability and prosperity of all actors involved. In terms of energy security, the creation of TAP has proven to be a far-sighted endeavor in the current juncture, as the only energy project in Europe not relying on Russia’s supplies.
What is the role of the Southern Gas Corridor for Italian gas market? How did it affect the gas prices in the country?
TAP strengthened our role as a regional gas hub in Europe, while ensuring greater competitiveness for our businesses and benefits for consumers in terms of reduced energy prices.
Is Italy interested in expanding the Southern Gas Corridor?
Our energetic partnership with Azerbaijan has grown over the years. Strengthening it is a priority for the Italian government. That can surely happen with the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor.
Taking into account close relations Italy and Azerbaijan have in economy, especially energy sector, do you think EU’s sanctions on Russia will in any way affect these relations?
Azerbaijan is one of our main energy partners. It is our first oil supplier, and now also the third supplier of natural gas. Energy therefore represents a crucial aspect of our bilateral cooperation, which has strengthened the strategic nature of our friendship over the years.