Azerbaijan, Baku, April 4 / Trend E.Ismayilov /
After the European Union and Turkmenistan reach an agreement on Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, Azerbaijan will be able to consider ways to ensure gas transit through its territory, the head of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Rovnag Abdullayev, told reporters on Wednesday.
"Azerbaijan is not a party to this project which is implemented by the EU and Turkmenistan. Only after decisions have been taken between the parties, then Baku may consider options and possibilities of ensuring transit," Abdullayev said.
In September 2011, the EU Council gave a mandate for negotiations between the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to build the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
Trans-Caspian gas pipeline running to around 300 kilometres will be laid from the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijani, where it will be linked to the Southern Gas Corridor. Negotiations between Turkmenistan and the EU and other countries on the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline have been on-going since the late 90s.
During negotiations with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the EU will discuss agreements outlining the legal obligations of the parties necessary for Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the construction and operation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline. Also on the agenda will be the legal framework to be applied to the issue of filling the gas pipeline from Turkmenistan including the recognition of commercial agreements.