Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev engaged in high-level talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov on March 5, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan reported. The meeting, a follow-up to the 20th Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, delved into the prospect of intensifying the transit of Kazakh oil through Azerbaijan.
Among the myriad topics discussed during the meeting were cooperation in the energy sector, the transit of Kazakh oil, and the execution of large-scale renewable energy projects. Of particular note was the trajectory of Kazakh oil transit, a pivotal aspect of economic collaboration between the two nations.
The strategic agreement inked in November 2022 between KazMunayGas (KMG) and SOCAR delineated the transit route along the Aktau-Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan corridor. By the end of 2023, oil shipments from the port of Aktau totaled a substantial 1 mn tons, destined for Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. With projections set for 2024, there are plans underway to increase the supply of Kazakh oil through the BTC to an annual volume of 1.5 mn tons.
Minister Satkaliyev underscored the imperative of augmenting oil supplies to accommodate the burgeoning production in Kazakhstan.
“Our national companies have been tasked with increasing the volume of oil supplies,” he affirmed, signaling a strategic move to capitalize on Kazakhstan’s growing oil output.”
Beyond discussions centered on energy, the Ministry heads also deliberated on forthcoming initiatives aimed at interlinking the energy grids of the Caucasus region and Central Asia. The project entails the laying of a deep-sea cable along the Caspian Sea bed, a move poised to foster regional energy integration.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Relations
The diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, forged on August 30, 1992, have matured into a robust partnership over the decades. The establishment of diplomatic missions, along with the signing of strategic partnership agreements, underscores the depth of their bilateral relations. This partnership extends beyond political realms into economic cooperation, with both nations actively collaborating on regional projects spanning various sectors, including transport and energy.
In the cultural sphere, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have initiated collaborative efforts aimed at fostering cultural understanding and cooperation. The establishment of centers dedicated to studying Azerbaijani history and culture in Kazakhstani educational institutions stands as a testament to their commitment to nurturing cultural ties.