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During the Romanian deputy energy minister Tudor Serban's visit to Baku on 1-3 February, the two sides signed an intergovernmental memorandum on energy co-operation, acting on an initiative proposed by Romania. The memorandum includes provisions for co-operation in the export of Azeri gas (either as liquefied natural gas [LNG] or compressed natural gas [CNG]) via the Black Sea to Romania. The concept corresponds with Baku's strategic interests, as it would enable Azerbaijan to diversify its gas export routes and reduce its dependence on Turkey for gas exports to Europe. more »
On 21 January, Gazprom announced that it had reached an agreement with Azerbaijan to double gas imports from this country to 1 billion m3 in 2010 and further increase the volume of imports to 2 billion m3 in 2011. Baku's decision to increase the volume of gas supplies to Russia is part of its strategy to diversify its gas export routes, which has intensified since the Russian-Georgian war in August 2008. The launch of gas exports to Iran this year is also part of this strategy. more »
On 28 December, the Georgian parliament amended the election law before the local elections planned for May. The enactment of the new election rules signifies the informal start of the election campaign, during which the opposition will confront the ruling camp in a battle which the two sides will probably have equal chances of winning. The first election since the Russian-Georgian war of August 2008 will be the most important political event of 2010 in Georgia, and an important test of the country's democracy. more »
On 15 December, Azerbaijan's state-owned oil and gas company SOCAR and Iran's National Iranian Gas Export Co. (NIGEC) signed two deals laying down new terms for gas co-operation (including the launch of gas exports to Iran). The agreements are part of the measures Baku has undertaken with a view to diversifying Azerbaijan's gas export routes and markets. They are also intended to strengthen the country’s position towards Turkey, the main transit country for Azeri resources. more »
On 24 December, the Ukrainian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Boris Klimchuk, announced that Azerbaijan's state-owned oil and gas company SOCAR had acquired around 30 petrol stations in Ukraine. The acquisition is another step in SOCAR's expansion onto the Ukrainian market, after the launch of a representation in Kyiv on 12 October 2009. more »
