Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 20 /Trend, A.Badalova/
Azerbaijan is a key strategic partner for the EU, and energy is a core of our relations, Edita Novak, energy adviser in EU office in Azerbaijan said at a meeting of INOGATE program's experts in Baku on Thursday.
"This is also supported by a memorandum of understanding implemented in the field of energy," she said.
Novak noted Azerbaijan is a key player in the development of the Southern gas Corridor project.
"I remained convinced that the rapid development of the Southern Gas Corridor project will have a huge potential to provide benefits both for the EU and Azerbaijan," Novak said.
The South Corridor is a priority EU energy project diversifying energy supply routes and sources and increasing EU energy security. The Southern Corridor includes the Nabucco gas pipeline, Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), White Stream, and ITGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy pipeline).
The gas produced within the second phase of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz Field is considered to be the main gas source for these projects.
Novak said the EU believes the partnership with Azerbaijan will continue to grow and deepen.
INOGATE program offers support and opportunities for Azerbaijan to face energy challenges, Novak added.
The EU and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy and Industry can have a decisive role in influencing and assisting these initiatives, Novak said.
The INOGATE Program is an international energy co-operation program between the European Union and partner countries, including Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Armenia.
INOGATE established in 1995 originally served as a mechanism for the EU for interstate transportation of oil and gas to Europe. Following the Baku conference in 2004 and Astana conference (2006) the program scope has been expanded.