Azerbaijan, Baku, April 2 / Trend M.Aliyev, E.Ismayilov /
The idea of creating a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline could become a reality only after issues of mutual obligations and financial affairs are solved, Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy Natig Aliyev told reporters on Monday.
He said the issue of a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline is the subject of discussions in a tripartite format by Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and the European Union.
"Today we are talking about how Turkmenistan can contribute to the development of the Southern Gas Corridor," said Aliyev.
He said it's not just the presence of gas, but also who will build and finance the construction of the pipeline. "Such large projects require mutual commitments and responsibility," said Aliyev.
The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the EU's priority energy projects. It is intended to diversify the routes and sources of supply and thereby increase the EU's energy security.
Azerbaijan is currently choosing a route for gas supplies to Europe. In particular, the Trans Anatolian pipeline designed to ensure the supply of gas from the eastern border of Turkey to the western is at the stage of preparation. This in turn will provide an opportunity to choose which projects will see the delivery of gas to Europe from the border with Turkey.