Slovenia expects to expand cooperation with Baku in the energy sector and to increase gas purchases from Azerbaijan, a source in the Slovenian Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy told Report.

"Slovenia and Azerbaijan have fostered a strong and productive relationship, which has shown remarkable growth over the past year. We are confident that this excellent cooperation will continue in the future across a wide range of sectors, particularly in energy," the ministry noted.

The ministry added that Slovenia and Azerbaijan are currently working on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the energy sector.

"The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation is in its final stages of coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Energy of Slovenia and the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan. This MoU holds great potential for expanding our collaboration in the energy sector and reflects our mutual commitment to ensuring energy security and sustainability," said the ministry.

The ministry reminded that during the visit of the head of the department, Bojan Kumer, to Baku in July 2024, discussions were held on the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Slovenia, and a memorandum of cooperation in the field of natural gas supplies was signed between Slovenia's Geoplin and SOCAR.

"This was followed by the signing of a gas supply contract at the end of July 2024, securing the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Slovenia. While the details of the gas supply agreement between SOCAR and Geoplin are confidential, we are pleased to confirm that Azerbaijani gas supplies are being delivered to Slovenia. We are optimistic about the continuation and potential increase of these supplies in the future."

In addition, the ministry said that they are closely monitoring the policy initiatives arising from COP29, which will be held in Baku in November 2024, especially those related to the energy sector.

"Slovenia has already joined the Global Energy Storage in Grids Pledge, and we are exploring further opportunities to support and endorse additional initiatives. We strongly believe that these political efforts are crucial in accelerating action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector."

SOCAR began gas supplies to Slovenia on August 1, 2024.