Amirbekov: Meloni's Visit to Azerbaijan Will Give Additional Impetus to Baku-Rome Relations

Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov stated that Baku and Rome have significant potential for expanding cooperation in various spheres.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Report, he made this statement in an interview with La Repubblica.

"Our two countries have been linked by a multidimensional strategic partnership since 2020. The upcoming visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Azerbaijan confirms this. We believe there is high potential for strengthening cooperation in many areas, primarily in energy, where Italy is our main partner," Amirbayov said.

He noted that in 2025, Azerbaijan supplied 9.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Italy. In addition, Italy is the main destination for oil exports from Azerbaijan. According to him, overall, 12.5 billion cubic meters of gas were supplied to 10 European Union countries last year, which is 53% more compared to 2021 (the first year of supplies - ed.). Despite market volatility and geopolitical turbulence, Azerbaijan, according to Amirbayov, remains a reliable and responsible supplier.

Answering a question about the possibility of increasing gas exports to Italy without expanding the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the special representative emphasized that the current capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor, of which TAP is a part, is fully booked and is already being considered in the context of Europe's entire energy architecture. According to him, the first phase of expansion is already being implemented: since January, TAP has increased its annual throughput capacity by 1.2 billion cubic meters, of which 1 billion will go to Italy. At the same time, any further increase in its throughput capacity, he said, will require additional investments in the development of production and gas transportation infrastructure, which is in line with the strategic interests of the European Union, enhancing diversification and energy security.

Regarding the agreements reached within the framework of the sixth session of the Italy-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission, Amirbayov reported that the parties agreed to develop an action plan for the development of bilateral economic partnership.

"The intergovernmental commission sets strategic guidelines. The action plan will become a roadmap for the development of economic partnership between Italy and Azerbaijan. It envisages 65 activities in 2026-2027 across 18 priority areas, including energy, green transition, digitalization, investments, transport, industry, agriculture, science, education, and culture. The roadmap is already prepared and is specific and comprehensive in nature," he stated.

Speaking about the objectives of his visit to Italy, Amirbayov emphasized that it is aimed at maintaining an active political dialogue between the countries and exchanging views on key issues of the bilateral, regional, and multilateral agenda, including Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union and NATO. He also reported that he presented an assessment of the current state and prospects of the peace process with Armenia, noting that 2026 "could become decisive for the legal formalization of peace" and the final conclusion of the former conflict.

Amirbayov added that the upcoming visit of Giorgia Meloni to Azerbaijan gives additional impetus to these discussions.

He separately noted that another important reflection of the current dynamics of cooperation is the construction in Baku of a second Catholic church dedicated to John Paul II, the completion of which is planned for 2027: "All of this demonstrates Azerbaijan's commitment to multiculturalism, religious tolerance, and the dialogue of civilizations."

Speaking about the TRIPP project ("Trump Route"), Amirbayov emphasized that further escalation in the Middle East could negatively affect the implementation of regional connectivity and energy infrastructure projects. According to him, the TRIPP project, which is part of the broader Zangezur Corridor, is of great importance for strengthening peace and developing transport links between Azerbaijan, Armenia, Asia, and Europe.

It should be noted that Giorgia Meloni's one-day visit to Azerbaijan is scheduled for May 5.