Azerbaijan’s deepening economic and strategic ties with the Gulf countries mark a significant evolution in the South Caucasus nation’s foreign policy and energy diplomacy. As the world undergoes an energy transition and as regional dynamics shift in the Middle East, Azerbaijan is positioning itself not only as a traditional energy exporter but also as a rising actor in green energy and regional mediation. This transformation is driven by both necessity and opportunity - and increasingly involves key players from the Gulf such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Energy diplomacy in the Middle East: From gas exports to green partnerships

For decades, Azerbaijan's economic identity was anchored in fossil fuel exports. Today, however, the country is leveraging its strategic geography and energy infrastructure to diversify both its export markets and its energy mix. Traditionally focused on supplying natural gas to Europe, Baku is now exploring the Middle East as a viable new market—a significant shift in its energy diplomacy.

In a landmark move, Azerbaijan has begun supplying natural gas to Syria through a quadrilateral cooperation involving Türkiye and Qatar. This humanitarian and economic initiative not only addresses Syria’s energy shortages but also demonstrates Azerbaijan’s capacity to operate as a regional energy facilitator, even amid complex geopolitics. President Ilham Aliyev has publicly confirmed that 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas have already been earmarked for Syria, with plans for further expansion.

Critically, Baku is also exploring ways to utilize the Arab Gas Pipeline and other swap or transit mechanisms to extend its energy outreach deeper into the Middle East. As President Aliyev noted, this marks Azerbaijan's first........

© AzerNews