Belgrade and Baku continue negotiations regarding near-term energy supplies, as well as the implementation of joint infrastructure initiatives.
Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic-Handanovic wrote this on her social media pages following her visit to Azerbaijan.
Djedovic-Handanovic noted that she held talks with Azerbaijani Finance Minister Sahil Babayev on comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing that energy resources formed the basis of bilateral trade.
“Natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan have doubled since the launch of our cooperation in this area three years ago. We are conducting further negotiations on energy supplies for the coming period, as well as on joint infrastructure projects,” the minister stated.
Djedovic-Handanovic noted that direct flights between Belgrade and Baku would be launched next month, and a series of high-level visits were planned.
“I am pleased that today’s talks have allowed us to deepen our dialogue, which represents a significant step towards further strengthening Serbia’s energy security and expanding the strategic partnership between our countries,” the minister wrote.
Djedovic-Handanovic emphasized that Azerbaijan was not just a gas supplier for Serbia, but a strategic partner. During meetings with Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov and the head of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), specific stages of the project to build a gas-fired power plant near the city of Nis, which had the potential to transform Serbia’s energy landscape, were discussed.
“We discussed the construction timeframe for the power and heat generation facility. This project strengthens the partnership established by Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Ilham Aliyev,” emphasized Djedovic-Handanovic.
The new plant is expected to become a pillar of Serbia’s energy system, ensuring high production efficiency and minimal emissions. Furthermore, the project will enable the full utilization of existing infrastructure and expand the range of energy sources.
“This is an investment in the development of Serbia’s southern regions, the industrial sector, and the creation of new jobs. This is the foundation of a future in which energy facilitates technological progress-from artificial intelligence to new data centers,” Djedovic-Handanovic concluded. (Report)