Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR) is keen to continue cooperation with Turkmenistan in the supply and trade of crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals, including the processing of Turkmen crude in Azerbaijan for export to international markets. This was stated by Azerbaijani Deputy Energy Minister Kamal Abbasov at the 31st International Conference and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan” (OGT 2026) in Ashgabat.
10 Million Tonnes of Turkmen Crude Transported via the BTC Pipeline
Abbasov highlighted the results achieved in transporting Turkmen crude oil to international markets through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.
“Between 2023 and August 2026, a total of approximately 10 million tonnes of Turkmen crude oil was transported to international markets through this route,” he said.
The Azerbaijani official also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, noting that energy has traditionally been one of the key areas of partnership between the two countries.
For many years, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have maintained close cooperation in the oil and gas sector, particularly in the trade of crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals.
Strengthening the Legal Framework for Energy Cooperation
Abbasov highlighted the significance of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Azerbaijan on 22–23 June 2026. During the visit, the leaders of the two countries signed a Joint Statement recognizing their considerable energy potential and identifying the energy sector as a priority area for cooperation.
An intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Energy, signed during the visit, further strengthens the legal framework for bilateral engagement and creates additional opportunities to expand cooperation.
SOCAR intends to continue working with its Turkmen partners on oil and petroleum product supplies and trade. “The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan is keen to continue collaboration with the Turkmen side in supply and trade of crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products, including processing of Turkmen crude oil in Azerbaijan for export to international markets”, Abbasov said.
Potential for Cooperation in Electricity Exports to Europe
Abbasov also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe and outlined opportunities for broader regional energy cooperation.
He noted ongoing efforts by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to advance the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, which aims to transmit renewable electricity from Central Asia through Azerbaijan to European markets.
According to Abbasov, there is also potential to involve Turkmenistan in electricity-sector cooperation.
“believe that there is also potential for cooperation with Turkmenistan in the electricity sector, and together with our esteemed Turkmen partners, we can explore the possibility of exporting electricity generated in Turkmenistan to European countries through Azerbaijan”, he stated.
He expressed confidence that continued dialogue between the two governments and their energy companies would help turn this potential into concrete results. ///nCa, 21 October 2026