Azerbaijani president, Kazakh PM discuss joint oil and gas projects

BAKU. March 3 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Baku on Monday, and the parties discussed energy and transport projects.

"Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope for a detailed discussion of important projects during the Kazakh prime minister's visit to Azerbaijan, for the implementation of the agreements reached, and for a continuation of close cooperation in all areas in the future," a statement on the Azerbaijani president's website said.

Bektenov conveyed greetings from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Aliyev.

Regarding the potential of bilateral relations, Bektenov said that the governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are making efforts to implement the agreements reached between the two countries' presidents. In this context, work is underway to develop the Trans-Caspian multimodal transport route in accordance with the presidents' instructions, he said. Cargo traffic along this route increased 60% in 2024, he said.

"During the conversation, the parties expressed satisfaction with the development of comprehensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. It was emphasized that mutual trade turnover has nearly tripled over the past three years, and there has been an increase in cargo transportation, including transit, along transport corridors," the statement said.

The parties also discussed support for investment projects through a joint investment fund as well as implementing joint oil and gas projects, including the prospects for increasing transportation of Kazakh oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.

"The discussions also focused on connecting Azerbaijan's and Kazakhstan's energy systems via an underwater cable as part of a green energy agreement and the development of cooperation in green energy," the statement said.