BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.1
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Expanded access to the Southern Gas Corridor would be important at any time, but the current geopolitical situation makes the upcoming discussion of this topic especially consequential, Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta told Trend.
He noted that the current and future energy situation in Europe makes the upcoming meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council quite important.
"European markets are experiencing shortfalls in supply and also much higher prices for gas, and indeed prices for energy in general. While some have looked to Gazprom and Russia to sell them additional gas in the last quarter of 2021, Gazprom has not been forthcoming. The February meeting is a timely opportunity for Azerbaijan, the EU, Turkey, the U.S., and other key players to look at the current situation, to see where demand is likely to go, and to act to ensure needed supplies. Let's face it, adequate affordable energy is essential to people's well-being, to a functioning economy, and to a country's national security. Participants in the February meeting can help meet this need for energy," added the former ambassador.
Cekuta pointed out that one of the important things about the Southern Gas Corridor and one of the chief reasons why the United States worked with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Albania, Greece, Italy, and the EU along with SOCAR, BP, and others in the private sector to see it built was to help diversify European energy supplies.
"Diverse sources of energy improve the availability of energy in a market and help ensure the energy security, and thus the national security of a country. I know there are a number of countries, particularly in the Balkans, who are interested in expanded access to gas from the Southern Gas Corridor project," he concluded.
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