Saeed Tavakoli today (Friday, October 24) at the specialized session of the eighth International Forum of the 'Russian Energy Week' in Moscow referred to the potential of gas pipeline and electricity transmission lines as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among South Caucasian countries.
The Importance of Energy Cooperation in the South Caucasus
This specialized session, titled 'Energy Cooperation in the 3+3 Format to Strengthen Peace and Security in the South Caucasus', was attended by deputies and senior officials from the ministries of oil and energy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. Tavakoli emphasized that in the discussion of energy cooperation and security in the South Caucasus, the main question is not which route and how much gas should pass through, but more importantly, how to ensure sustainable benefits for all participating countries through energy trade and industrial cooperation.
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Iran's Experiences in Energy Cooperation
The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company referred to the country's experiences in cooperation with the former Soviet Union, gas swaps from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, gas and electricity exchanges with Armenia, and seasonal cooperation to meet the emergency needs of regional countries. For example, supplying gas to Georgia in 2006 was one of these collaborations. Tavakoli also mentioned our country's capacities in utilizing large gas resources and electricity production, as well as a 41,000-kilometer gas transmission network and a 480,000-kilometer gas distribution network, describing Iran's geographical position in relation to energy production and consumption hubs and its potential role in gas swaps and transit as exceptional.
Regarding the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Moscow for the transfer of Russian gas to Iran in 2024, he said: The primary approach in this regard is to utilize existing capacities, as this region has the necessary gas transmission networks and infrastructure. The important point is the establishment of interaction and communication for the optimal use of these capacities.
Proposals to Strengthen Energy Cooperation
Tavakoli continued by presenting proposals to strengthen energy cooperation, stating that regional countries could exchange gas or electricity seasonally and at special times of the year. This could pave the way for strengthening cooperation and ultimately reinforcing peace and stability in the region.
At this session, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia, the Deputy of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), the head of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, and the head of the Georgia Research Foundation also spoke. The eighth International Forum of the 'Russian Energy Week' opened on Wednesday with a message from the President of this country in Moscow and addressed key issues in the fuel and energy sector, inter-regional cooperation, and the formation of international collaborations in the energy industry. This year's program includes more than 30 specialized sessions with over 100 international speakers on topics such as oil market transformation, gas market development, investment in the electricity industry, renewable energies, environment, and energy efficiency.
