Azerbaijan, Baku, May 22 / Trend E. Ismayilov /
Signing of the inter-governmental agreement between EU and Turkey within the project of Nabucco gas pipeline construction does not mean beginning of any operations within this project, Azerbaijani minister of industry and energy Natiq Aliyev said on May 22.
"There are no inter-state agreements, transit agreement within Nabucco project. EU plans to sign the agreement with Turkey in late June. But it is not beginning of operations," Aliyev said.
Nabucco is necessary project. This project is priority for Europe. But issues within its implementation have not been solved, Aliyev said.
"ITGI gas pipeline project stretches another way without any funds. Everything is done owing to companies' funds," Aliyev said.
Presently, researches, as well as talks with Turkey, Iran and Russia are being held. Other countries are ready for buying Azerbaijani gas. Azerbaijan shows interest to south energy corridor including gas pipelines Nabucco and ITGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy). "Azerbaijan shows great interest to this project," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan is interested in each project and creates new opportunities. Azerbaijan is ready for transporting energy resources to both Europe and other directions if these projects are profitable from economic point of view and meet national interest of the country.
First political issues must be solved while realization of many projects within south corridor. There must be the agreement and support of these projects. Second, financial and technical issues must be solved.
"We have no principal meaning whether our gas will be delivered to Italy or Bulgaria. We will support the project in which economic terms are the most profitable," Aliyev said.
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