Azerbaijani President Confident in Gas Transit Talks Between Russia and Ukraine

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism regarding the gas transit discussions between Russia and Ukraine, which Azerbaijan is facilitating. He spoke at the TEHA Forum in Italy, stressing the importance of maintaining the gas pipeline through Ukraine that supplies several European nations, particularly Austria. Aliyev met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome before the forum.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Friday expressed confidence in the outcome of talks between Russia and Ukraine that his country is facilitating to keep Russian gas flowing through Ukraine to several European nations.

Addressing the TEHA Forum in Cernobbio, Italy, which gathers businessmen and policymakers to discuss geopolitical and economic issues, Aliyev highlighted the role of Azerbaijan in these critical discussions. The EU and Ukraine have sought Azerbaijan's help as the current gas transit deal with Russia expires at the end of the year.

Despite the EU reducing its Russian gas imports, countries like Austria still rely heavily on gas via a Ukrainian pipeline. Aliyev emphasized the potential paralysis of Ukraine's gas distribution system if the transit stops. Meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, he shared his cautious optimism about achieving a breakthrough in the talks.

(With inputs from agencies.)