Negotiations to lay Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline scheduled for October

The European Union’s talks with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on the project of laying Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline will begin in October, European External Action Service (EEAS) Director for Eastern Partnership Gunnar Wiegand told journalists in Baku.

"This project is important both in terms of diversification of energy resources import routes by the EU, and in terms of diversification of export routes for Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan," Wiegand said. He said the EU pursues commercial goals and does not intend to spoil relations with anyone or increase tension.

Earlier, the EU adopted a mandate to start negotiations with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline. It caused dissatisfaction of Russia and Iran, who are against the construction of gas pipelines on the Caspian Sea.

"We just want to diversify our energy market. Azerbaijan, as well as Russia and other countries, want to diversify their energy resources export," Wiegand underlined. He said Russia is and will remain the main supplier of gas to Europe.


/Trend/