The study for gasification of the Korça area is now ready, as the first step of the gas extension program for general consumption in Albania, declared Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council 10th Ministerial Meeting, which is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The head of the government also stated that the study of the connecting pipeline of TAP with the Vlora TEC is nearing completion and that investment has begun to expand the capacities of the latter.
“The Southern Corridor has turned into a bridge of intensive cooperation, bringing countries, companies, international financial institutions closer together in a format that only increases the desire and opportunities it offers. Today, this format has turned into a bridge. A bridge where a new component has also become the dimension of green energy. With the percentage of Russian gas in the EU falling from 40% currently to 8% soon and to 0% and in the green agenda and efforts for decarbonization at the highest point, Azerbaijani gas and the Caspian region are essential for our common future.
As for my country Albania, we are strategically positioned on the route of the Trans Adriatic Gas Pipeline, which is a vital link in the Southern Gas Corridor. Of course, we aim to further capitalize on this transformative corridor, directing investments towards renewable energy projects and sustainable infrastructure development.
For us, investments in sustainable and renewable energy are undoubtedly essential. In recent years, they have transformed Albania into a natural hub of green transition and innovation in the energy sector.
Currently in Albania, we are looking to move forward with the gasification project of the country, and thanks to President [Ilham] Aliyev’s support, we are advancing this gasification process going against what has historically been deprived of us.
Drawing on the successful experience of cooperation with TAP in collaboration with our partners, we aim to build a liquefied natural gas center in Vlora, a key coastal city in southern Albania,” stated Rama.
Meanwhile, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, praised Albania’s role in implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project.
“Albania and Azerbaijan are two friendly countries. We actively cooperate in various fields. We have a very active political dialogue, and meetings with the Prime Minister have a regular agenda in Albania, in Azerbaijan.
As part of various international activities, we support each other in international institutions and actively work on energy security issues. Albania has played a very important role in implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project and continues to play an important role as a member of the TAP team.
We are now discussing various aspects of our energy cooperation, and I am sure that during today’s discussions with the Prime Minister, we will address all existing issues,” Aliyev said.
During the visit of the Albanian delegation to Baku, an agreement on visa waiver for Albanian citizens traveling to Azerbaijan was also signed, thus opening up new opportunities for tourism, economic development, and cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Besart Kadia, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Fariz Rzayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
/Argumentum.al
