Greek ambassador calls Azerbaijan Europe’s most reliable ally

The US congress had a briefing meeting for Southern Gas Corridor and its role in European energy security yesterday, attended by Azerbaijan, Albania, Greece, Italy, Vice President of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) Elshad Nasirov, BP Director General for Cooperation Greg Saunders, congressmen, analysts, officials of the US State Department and journalists, Trend reports.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to the US Ellin Suleimanov said that the choice of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) created new geopolitical realities that will boost socio-economic prosperity.

Albanian official Gilbert Galankhi noted that the TAP was essential for the country and had great prospects. He expressed hope that the project would be supplemented by infrastructure in Albania.

Greek Ambassador to the US Christos Panagopoulos called Azerbaijan the most reliable ally of Europe in energy.

Italian Ambassador Lorenzo Galante said that the TAP was part of Italian energy security.

Nasirov called the TAP a beginning of gas supplies for Europe and noted construction of pipeline interconnection in the Balkan Region, starting with Greece and Bulgaria.

Saunders believes that Azerbaijan is undergoing the second stage of energy policy. He noted the role of Georgia as on of the states realizing the Southern Gas Corridor project and added that it could expect more investments.