Serik Primbetov: "Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will cope with the role of alternative energy suppliers for Europe"

- Kazakhstan is connected with Azerbaijan and Georgia will perspective economic projects, communicating Europe with Central Asia. Has the recent war in Georgia affected the Kazakhstan's plans on regional cooperation in the sphere of energy?

- These events, certainly, raise concerns. We want stability to rule, it is important primarily for trade. Certainly, we also sustained some losses due to events in Georgia.

Naturally, we are developing alternative routes. I think in two years we will lay a pipeline from the Caspian Sea to China.

- You are speaking of alternative ways. Does it mean that Karabakh does not trust to the western route of the transportation of its energy sources via Georgia?

- Certainly, no. This only implies concerns about the situation in the region.

- Some mass medias even spoke of the possible review by Kazakhstan of its participation in the BTC project. Is Astana's decision about it still in force?

- Certainly, everything is in force. Kashagan will produce large volumes of oil in several years and we will produce up to 150 mln tons of oil, while today we produce only 70 mln tons. Azerbaijan is also developing well, 50 mln tons is also a good indicator.

- At the same time, Kazakhstan has refused implementation of a project in Batumi.

- Yes, we wanted to build an oil terminal there, but that side did not fulfill its duties. Thus, there is no policy in it. We have access to Georgia via Azerbaijan and this is obvious. We are also working on Novorossiysk and by a swap on Iran, thus we support all alternative routes.

- Europe, anxious about the events in Georgia, has intensified talks of the need to ensure its own energy security, primarily, by the help of the Caspian states. Do you think Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will be able to justify the status of alternative suppliers of energy sources, attributed to them?

- I think that both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are conducting a normal multi-sided policy aimed at the security of both Europe and our countries. I do not see any special problems here.

- Which of the most interesting projects, directly connected with the Azerbaijani-Kazakh cooperation, are currently developed?

- One of these projects is connected with the air communication between our capitals. We want to use good aircrafts for this flight and now AirAstana is developing the issue of the use of Boeings in place of TU by this route. We want to ensure comfort of flights.

The second project is connected with Chevron's intention to use a part of oil for Baku.

/Day.Az/