Answering the questions on energy in the Caspian region, the American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Matthew Bryza, briefed the media on February 7th in Baku that over the next 10-15 years, Azerbaijan may become a leading exporter of natural gas to Europe, Trend reports.
According to him, problems in the well for gas production in Shah Deniz field will not lessen the confidence towards Azerbaijan as exporter. The situation in Shah Deniz is usual for new projects and does not break the obligations of Azerbaijan on gas exportation because it is out character, the diplomat said.
Bryza said that he has already held negotiations with the Head of Kazakhstan regarding the project on construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipe and intends to continue talks in Baku.
Azerbaijan possesses large possibilities on expanding gas production, he stated, adding that the USA encourages Azerbaijan to exports more gas to Europe.
For this purpose, it needs to establish closer co-operation between the governments and companies involved in hydrocarbon production, Bryza said.
In addition, he stressed that currently political changes are taking place in Turkmenistan and as a result of the upcoming presidential elections, the position of this country on the Trans-Caspian gas pipe will be clear.
Furthermore we await the position of Kazakhstan on this question to be made clear, Bryza concluded.