Slovenia, Azerbaijan Can Ink Gas Supply Contract Very Soon, Says Minister Bojan Kumer (Exclusive Interview) (PHOTO)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 18. Slovenia and Azerbaijan can sign a contract for gas supplies in coming weeks, Minister of Environment, Climate, and energy of Slovenia Bojan Kumer said in an exclusive interview with Trend , as he visited Baku.

Highlights of the visit

He noted that the purpose and the focus of the visit is twofold.

"Firstly, it is about continuing a very promising dialogue on cooperation between Slovenia and Azerbaijan, especially in the area of energy. Second, to exchange information on path towards COP29, both state of the play and expectations in the run up to this year's very important event. I attended COP28 last year in Dubai, which established a solid base, and we therefore have quite huge expectations for this year. COP29 stands as an important milestone in our collective efforts to implement the Paris Agreement. We made significant progress at last year's COP, but we know that we cannot afford to stand still, and certainly, we cannot afford to backtrack.

Slovenia, as a member of the European Union, will therefore actively work to contribute to the success of the COP29. We must deliver on the new financial goal which will help developing countries to implement their future climate policies and measures. Slovenia has been demonstrating its commitment to climate finance, exemplified by, amongst others, its pledge to the Loss and Damage Fund. As one of the smallest country-sized donors, this commitment serves as a significant signal within the complex multilateral landscape.

Making progress on mitigation is also of key importance. Within the EU, we are currently deliberating on the new climate goal for 2040, which will be basis for the ambitious National Determined Contribution (NDC) to be submitted in time. All these elements, together with strong follow up of last year's first Global Stock Take process will form a package for a successful COP29.

During the meeting with Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev, I was informed that preparations are developing very well. I offered any assistance from Slovenian side to him and his team," said Kumer.

Slovenian team is fully prepared to constructively participate in negotiations and political initiatives and contribute to successful outcome of the COP Presidency of Azerbaijan. We also welcome very much the Azerbaijani initiative for Peace Day and the gender equality. Furthermore, we are actively supporting youth participation and inclusion of civility society at COP29. Last, but not least, sectors such as water and agriculture hold paramount importance for both Slovenia and Azerbaijan. We are eager to advance agendas in these fields, understanding that sectoral approaches play an increasingly vital role in climate action.

The minister pointed out that the main purpose of his visit was to reach an agreement, not only between two governments or two ministries, but between two state-owned companies, Geoplin, the key natural gas supplier inside Slovenia, and state-owned company of Azerbaijan SOCAR.

"For Slovenia, it's very important to secure gas supply from different sources, to diversify natural gas supply, because Slovenia is a small nation with a small economy, and regarding gas we are entirely dependent on imports from other countries. Azerbaijan, rich in gas reserves, represents an important possibility for diversifying our gas supply. In this regard, Azerbaijan is a natural choice for us.

I'm really happy that we signed the Memorandum of Understanding between SOCAR and Geoplin, which is supported by both governments, both responsible ministers. I told my colleague, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, whom I much respect, that the Slovenian government fully supports Geoplin's natural gas purchase from SOCAR. This agreement is very crucial and is a key step towards signing a contract between two companies," said Kumer.

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