BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 2. UK and Azerbaijan have embarked on a new chapter in our energy cooperation, the Head of the International Energy Joint Unit of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Sophie Westlake, said at the opening ceremony of Baku Energy Week, Trend reports.
''The United Kingdom is proud of the deep partnership between our countries, rooted in decades of energy collaboration. And this relationship has fostered not only prosperity for our nations but also has contributed significantly to European and global energy security. Last November, our Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended COP29 in Baku and remarked upon Azerbaijan's leadership in addressing global climate change,'' she said.
Westlake noted that Azerbaijan and the region have the potential to also now play a leading role in advancing a global and just energy transition, with exciting new renewables and interconnection projects coming to the fore, adding to the important role that Azerbaijan has always played in energy security.
''The United Kingdom stands with Azerbaijan in this journey. Fossil fuels will continue to play a part in our energy mix for years to come, but achieving long-term energy and climate security requires the adoption of new approaches and technologies. We have committed in the UK to reaching net zero by 2050 and clean power by 2030. And we have also made a commitment, which was announced by my Prime Minister at COP29, to reduce emissions by 85% by 2035 on a 1990 baseline, she added.
The official emphasized that the UK and Azerbaijan have embarked on a new chapter in our energy cooperation.
''I'm pleased to say that the UK and Azerbaijan have embarked on a new chapter in our energy cooperation through our re-established Azerbaijan Energy Working Group. We have set out an ambitious action plan that will enable us to take practical steps forward on offshore wind, electricity markets, grid infrastructure, and other areas, and it's only through lasting international partnerships that we can accelerate the energy transition, create mutual growth, and build a sustainable future. I wish you all a fruitful Baku Energy Week on this important anniversary event, and we look forward to hearing more about all the ideas on energy cooperation,'' she concluded.