Alexey Belogoryev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Energy Strategy, told Vestnik Kavkaza that the petroleum cooperation was the most significant field of collaboration of Russia and Azerbaijan, especially its technological aspect.
The expert said that Azerbaijan was implementing biotechnologies to improve oil extraction.
Belogoryev believes that Azerbaijan should focus on gas industry in relations with Russia, mainly in the framework of Shah Deniz. This includes the problems of Nabucco and the TAP and new projects discussed with Turkey. The Southern Gas Corridor will have a new gas source – Azerbaijan.
He noted that the choice of cooperation was not between Russia and Turkmenistan. Caspian states need to work together. Belogoryev reminded that the visit of Rosneft head Igor Sechin in July should reduce tensions.
Vyacheslav Kulagin, Director of the Center for Studies of World Energy Markets of the Institute for Energy Studies of the RAS, said that Russia and Azerbaijan will develop the Caspian shelf. Russia is reluctant to allow foreigners to develop its oil fields and will most likely operate in Azerbaijan. The countries have prospects after 2020. Companies already active in the region, such as LUKOIL, will continue their work and new technologies will be available for implementation. Kulagin added that Russia was also interested in oil developments with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
