Azerbaijan plans to export 24 bcm of gas in 2023, 12 bcm of which to Europe - Aliyev

BAKU. Jan 10 (Interfax) - Exports of Azerbaijani gas are expected at 24 billion cubic meters in 2023, including around 12 bcm that is to go to Europe, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

"All told, our exports [of gas] are expected at a level of 24 bcm. Around 12 bcm will be supplied to Europe," Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijani television.

Azerbaijan exported more than 8 bcm of gas to Europe in 2021, he said.

Azerbaijan "is becoming a serious player on the gas market, including on the European market," Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani gas has entered the Bulgarian market following the opening of Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, and supplies to Romania have begun this year, he said.

"Work on the interconnector that will connect the overall system to Serbia is being carried out. And talks [on gas supplies], including with Serbia, have also begun. We have also begun active negotiations on the gasification of Albania, as this country is only transit. There is no gas network in Albania, and this is fairly pricey business. And we have offered our services in this case," Aliyev said.

Coordination of gasification locations is currently underway, concerning which cities will undergo gasification in Albania, he said.