Azerbaijan and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding on Igdir-Nakhchivan natural gas pipeline that will take natural gas from Turkey's Igdir region to Azerbaijan's Nakhcivan Autonomous Republic, the Energy Ministry has reported.

The project will be operted by Turkey's BOTAS and Azerbaijan's SOCAR.

The document was signed by the Azerbaijan Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Turkey Energy Minister Fatih Donmez in Ankara on December 15.

A new gas pipeline will pass through the Azerbaijan’s liberated territories to Nakhchivan, and from there to Turkish Igdir. The project will be operated by Turkey's BOTAS and Azerbaijan's SOCAR.

Addressing the event, Parviz Shahbazov spoke about the project's importance for the region.

“Azerbaijan and Turkey are co-creators of new geopolitical realities and safe environment for development in the region. The new cooperation, which will allow sharing the region’s resources, communication and logistical potential, will be beneficial not only for Azerbaijan and Turkey, but for the region and the world,” he stated.

Moreover, it was noted that this project will revive the economy of Nakhchivan.

Touching upon the memorandum of understanding, the minister emphasized the strategic importance of natural gas supplies to Nakhchivan. He added that the signed document lays the foundation for gas supplies to Nakhchivan via Turkey through the pipeline, and ensures cooperation between the companies of both countries (SOCAR and BOTAS) on technical, commercial, administrative, legal and other issues related to natural gas supplies.

“Gas supplies from Turkey to Nakhchivan will help diversify gas supplies and increase the reliability of energy supply. Nakhchivan will be able to fully meet its growing energy needs with the support of Iran and Turkey,” the minister added.

Additionally, during the meeting it was noted that the construction of Igdir-Nakhchivan is planned to be completed in 2022. The total length of the pipeline is expected to be 160 km, while the throughput capacity will be 500 million cubic meters per year, which will make it possible to supply 1.5 million cubic meters of gas to Nakhchivan on a daily basis.