between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is deeply rooted in history and
culture, built on mutual respect and cooperation across various
sectors, including politics, economics, and energy. Over the years,
these ties have strengthened and reached a new level, thanks to a
number of key strategic projects, one of the most important being
the new Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between Azerbaijan
and Türkiye on December 15, 2020, marked a significant step in
advancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The
construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline, a project entrusted
to Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and Türkiye’s BOTAŞ, is a
strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the energy independence of
the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Previously, Nakhchivan largely relied on gas supplies from Iran,
but the new infrastructure will diversify sources of supply. The
Turkish company TPAO handled the construction of communication
lines and other preparatory work, which was completed in June 2021.
This was a critical stage in the project, and on September 25,
2023, an official groundbreaking ceremony took place, attended by
the leaders of both countries – President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In a joint press conference following the ceremony, President
Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of the project for
bilateral relations with Türkiye: “The construction of the
Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline is an important event in the history
of our fraternal relations. It will give a new impetus to our
relations and largely ensure the energy security of
Nakhchivan”.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also highlighted the strategic
importance of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations, noting
its crucial role throughout history.
“Today, Nakhchivan has great potential in terms of economy,
transport and energy lines. Together with the creation of regional
transport lines, we will have the opportunity to fully unlock this
potential. <…> The Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline project,
which we laid the foundation of a little while ago, will further
deepen our partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy and
also contribute to European energy security,” he stated.
The new gas pipeline, expected to go live today, will provide
Nakhchivan with its own Azerbaijani gas, reducing the region’s
reliance on third countries and further strengthening economic ties
between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. It will also foster the development
of energy cooperation on a larger scale, from bilateral relations
to broader integration within major international energy
projects.
The pipeline stretches 97.5 kilometers from the Turkish city of
Igdir to the Sadarak district in Azerbaijan, with 80 kilometers in
Türkiye and 17.5 kilometers in Azerbaijan. It will transport 2
million cubic meters of gas per day, or 730 million cubic meters
annually, fully meeting Nakhchivan’s current natural gas needs. In
the future, the pipeline’s capacity can be more than doubled,
providing additional opportunities for the region’s growth.
The Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline project was included in the “State
Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic for 2023-2027,” adopted on June 5, 2023.
Moreover, its funding was secured through Azerbaijan’s state
budget, in line with a Presidential decree from Ilham Aliyev on
February 10, 2022.
The pipeline’s construction is part of Azerbaijan’s broader
strategy to solidify its role in the international energy system.
In addition to major export routes such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and TANAP gas pipelines,
this new project adds to the infrastructure supporting regional
energy stability.
Once operational, the pipeline will not only boost Nakhchivan’s
energy security but also create new conditions for its
socio-economic development. A more reliable energy supply will pave
the way for new investment projects, attract business, and improve
living conditions for the population.
In conclusion, the Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline is not just an
infrastructure project; it represents the strengthening of the
partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, aimed at long-term
development and stability in the region. The collaborative efforts
of both countries to bring this project to life open up new
possibilities for the growth of energy and economic cooperation,
contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the
region.