Azerbaijan , Baku, Oct. 7 /Trend, A.Badalova/
Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) remains optimistic about the signing of transit agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey before the end of this year.
"The transit agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey is very important for all projects, particularly for TAP. We are optimistic that there will be a solution before the end of this year," Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs and Communications Director in TAP said to Trend.
In late September a senior representative of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) said that Azerbaijani and Turkish working groups have not yet completed negotiations within coordination of a package of agreements on gas issues between the two countries. According to him, all depends on the Turkish side. "Perhaps in October, the negotiations will be competed," he said.
The package includes gas contracts on costs of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey from the second stage of "Shah Deniz", gas supplies to Turkey from the field after 2017, as well as a transit agreement for the transportation of Azerbaijani gas via Turkey to Europe. Under the Shah Deniz-2 project, Azerbaijan plans to ship 10 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe.
"'Turkey transit is an important link in this gas transportation chain," Hoffmann said.
He remained confident that negotiations were progressing well.
He also said that the signing of the package of agreements will be beneficial both for Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets.
The total length of the pipeline is about 800 kilometers.
The gas produced within the second phase of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz Field is considered to be a main gas source for TAP project.