During a working visit to Baku, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov.

During the discussion, the ministers reviewed the implementation of agreements reached between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev regarding cooperation in the energy sector.

Particular attention was given to the development of energy transportation routes, including supplies to EU countries through the use of Ukrainian infrastructure.

“The first test delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine last year confirmed the practical potential of the Trans-Balkan route and its importance for regional energy security. We are interested in expanding this long-term partnership,” Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

The ministers also discussed the restoration and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. Azerbaijani businesses have expressed their readiness to invest in Ukrainian projects, while Ukraine stands ready to provide comprehensive support for such initiatives.

The Minister of Energy underscored that Ukraine highly values Azerbaijan’s support for rehabilitation programmes for the children of Ukrainian defenders. The parties also discussed the possibility of extending this support to the children of energy workers who lost their lives as a result of the war.

“As co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission, Mr. Shahbazov and I agreed to hold its next meeting in Ukraine this autumn. The agenda will include the development of ferry services, expansion of trade in food products, cooperation in education and science, as well as the joint advancement of innovation and technology,” Denys Shmyhal said.

He thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support of Ukraine’s energy sector, particularly for the provision of transformers. The supplied equipment and humanitarian assistance helped Ukrainian energy workers withstand the most difficult periods, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Energy stressed.