Germany intends to actively engage in energy dialogue with Azerbaijan - Merz

BAKU. July 21 (Interfax) - Germany intends to actively engage in dialogue with Azerbaijan on energy security, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

"We want to intensify cooperation in the coming years, particularly in the area of energy efficiency. On the German side, we are keenly interested in diversifying imports, including gas imports. Azerbaijan is one of the few countries in the region with an energy surplus, meaning it produces more than it consumes. Therefore, Azerbaijan is of interest to us as a partner when it comes to ensuring Germany's energy supply," Merz said at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Berlin on Tuesday.

After Germany phased out Russian gas in 2022, Berlin began searching for new sources, he said. "And here Azerbaijan plays a crucial role. I am once again grateful to President Ilham Aliyev for the opportunity to discuss this issue today, as well as the prospects for further increasing gas supplies from Azerbaijan. This is also the subject of our joint agreement and will be discussed during further negotiations that we will hold with Azerbaijan," he said.

Merz said that relations between Baku and Berlin are developing rapidly and "we are seriously committed to boosting relations between Germany and Azerbaijan."

Energy cooperation is particularly important amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, he said. "Today we also discussed the development of renewable energy and hydrogen energy," he said.

Merz added that the parties are holding constructive talks on the investment program put forward by Azerbaijan. "This program could also open up new opportunities for German companies in Azerbaijan. The South Caucasus is becoming increasingly important as a link between Europe and Asia. New transport and trade corridors create economic potential that we want to unlock jointly," the German chancellor added.