Bavarian official to discuss energy projects and Eastern Partnership in Baku

Bavarian Minster for Federal and European Affairs Emilia Mueller will mull the Nabucco pipeline project designed to transport gas from the Caspian Sea and Central Asia to Europe during her visit to Baku.

"A short while ago, I had talks in Austria at the other end of this pipeline. Now, I would like to discuss the Nabucco project at its starting point in Azerbaijan," Mueller said in an interview with Trend in the run up to her Baku visit scheduled for April 21-22.

Speaking about Azerbaijan's important role in the energy security of Europe, Mueller marked out the Nabucco gas pipeline among the important joint projects.

Nabucco's European shareholders rely on fuel, which will be produced in the second stage of development of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field, to fill the pipeline. The German company RWE is a shareholder in the Nabucco project, worth 7.9 billion euros, with 16.67 percent equity share.

In addition to fossil fuels, Mueller noted the increasing urgency of renewable energy. Many Bavarian companies produce high quality products working on renewable energy sources such as solar, she said.

"Bavarian enterprises offer a wide range of innovative high tech products. Of special interest to Azerbaijan might be Bavarian know-how in environmental technology, for example sewage treatment plants, or building construction technology," Mueller said.

Mueller noted the agriculture among the most promising areas for mutually beneficial cooperation with Azerbaijan.

"There are many ideas for new projects - from livestock farming to the training of agricultural experts," Mueller said.

During Baku visit, Mueller intends to know about the country's plans to further develop the EU Eastern Partnership program, in which the country has been involved since 2009.

"Our political cooperation is still in an early stage. It is my aim to promote it during my visit," Mueller said.


/Trend/