Slovakia views Azerbaijan as a strategically important energy supplier and a key partner in ensuring the country's energy security. This was stated by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in an interview with the AnewZ television channel.
According to the Slovak leader, following the escalation of the conflict in Eastern Europe and the onset of the energy crisis, Baku immediately extended a helping hand to Bratislava. The Azerbaijani side promptly offered to utilize available capacities in gas transportation systems.
“It was Azerbaijan that immediately offered us part of its capacity, both through the 'Turkish Stream' and other routes via Bulgaria and Italy to Austria. We have received gas from Azerbaijan, but now we are looking for a long-term solution because there is a proposal from Azerbaijan to supply gas to Central Europe.”
Peter Pellegrini recalled that after 2027, the European Union intends to completely phase out purchases of Russian gas. Under these conditions, the diversification of supplies is of particular importance, and Bratislava sees Baku as one of the key players in this process.
The Slovak President also noted that bilateral relations are developing on the principles of equal partnership, free from pragmatic consumerist attitudes.
“We are not trying to look at Azerbaijan as a buyer, like many others who think: Azerbaijan is a rich country, let's try to sell it something. In Slovakia, we prefer to treat each other as partners.”
As an example of long-term cooperation, Pellegrini mentioned joint initiatives in the defense industry. Thus, the defense ministers of the two states have already discussed a project for the joint production of new military equipment. Products manufactured by the enterprises of both countries will be able to reach new markets in the future with the logistical participation of Azerbaijan, bringing mutual benefits.
It was previously reported that after 2027, Slovakia plans to purchase approximately 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Azerbaijan annually.
Source: report.az