BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The start of gas
supplies from Azerbaijan to Albania via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline
(TAP) in 2026 is expected to have a positive and strategic impact
on Albania’s energy landscape and energy security, Besart Kadia,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“It will contribute to the diversification of the country’s
energy mix, reduce reliance on hydropower, and enhance the
stability and resilience of the energy system.This development
builds on the growing framework of bilateral cooperation, notably
strengthened through the 1st meeting of the Joint Working Group on
Economic, Industrial and Technological Cooperation in May 2023.
Concrete projects such as the “Nur” gasification project in Korça,
presented during the visit of Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy H.E
Parviz Shahbazov in April 2025, demonstrate how this partnership is
translating into tangible infrastructure and development
benefits.Overall, TAP gas supplies reflect a long-term strategic
partnership, reinforcing Albania’s energy security while further
positioning Azerbaijan as a key partner in regional energy
stability,” he said.
Kadia noted that the initial volume of 0.16 billion cubic meters
is considered an important first phase in Albania’s gasification
process.
“Albania has a clear interest in increasing these volumes in the
future, in line with the development of domestic infrastructure and
regional connectivity. Albania values Azerbaijan’s role in projects
such as the gasification of Korça, underground gas storage, and
cross-border transmission networks, as well as the optimal use of
TAP. Both countries also support the Ionian Adriatic Pipeline and
EU-backed initiatives to expand the Southern Gas Corridor. In this
context, Albania is updating its Gas Master Plan and enhancing
transmission capacity, with the appreciated technical support of
SOCAR and its affiliates, creating a solid basis for a gradual
increase in gas volumes over time,” the ambassador explained.
Expanding SOCAR’s gasification project
Kadia pointed out that the gasification of Korça is regarded as
a flagship and pilot project, and there is a strong interest in its
gradual extension to other regions of Albania.
“As gas supply through TAP becomes more established and domestic
infrastructure continues to develop, Albania envisages the
expansion of gas networks to additional cities and economic zones.
This process would be pursued in a phased and coordinated manner,
in line with the updated Gas Master Plan and in close cooperation
with SOCAR and its affiliates, with the shared objective of
strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable economic
development,” he said.
Prospects for cooperation in green energy
The ambassador went on to add that Albania follows with great
interest strategic initiatives that enhance regional connectivity
and the diversification of clean energy sources, including the
Black Sea Cable project.
“In line with its commitment to green energy and the development
of new transmission corridors, Albania is open to exploring forms
of participation that are consistent with its national energy
strategy and regional priorities. Albania highly values
Azerbaijan’s leading role in advancing major energy infrastructure
projects and recognizes the importance of Azerbaijani energy—both
gas and renewables—for regional energy security, including in the
Western Balkans. As Albania continues to update its Gas Master Plan
and expand its energy infrastructure, it welcomes Azerbaijani
technical expertise and cooperation, as well as EU-supported
frameworks, to further integrate into regional and European energy
markets and contribute to the transition toward sustainable and
secure energy systems,” said Kadia.
He believes that beyond existing flagship projects, Albania and
Azerbaijan have ample scope to further strengthen their energy
cooperation through a strategic and comprehensive approach.
“Priority areas include the diversification of energy sources,
the development of new transmission corridors, renewable energy
projects, energy storage, LNG infrastructure, and the exchange of
technical expertise and capacity building. At the same time,
Albania attaches importance to broadening cooperation beyond the
energy sector, notably in transport connectivity, trade and SME
partnerships, sustainable agriculture and food security, education,
tourism, and cultural exchanges. Enhanced institutional
cooperation, business-to-business contacts, and joint forums will
further support investment and the implementation of joint
initiatives. This holistic approach, encompassing energy, economy,
connectivity, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, will
contribute to deepening bilateral relations and delivering
sustainable economic and social benefits for both Albania and
Azerbaijan,” he said.
Investment opportunities
Kadia pointed out that Albania welcomes Azerbaijani investments
across several priority sectors that align with the country’s
national development objectives and bilateral cooperation
agenda.
“Beyond energy, Albania sees strong potential for investment in
transport and logistics, tourism and hospitality, sustainable
agriculture and food processing, digital innovation, and
infrastructure development. Opportunities also exist in trade and
SME partnerships, supported by cooperation between AIDA and AZPROMO
and by strengthened links between chambers of commerce. Through a
stable investment climate, ongoing legal harmonization, and
targeted business forums and B2B initiatives, Albania aims to
facilitate Azerbaijani investments that generate mutual economic
benefits and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth in both
countries,” said the Albanian ambassador.
He highlighted that Albanian companies have expressed interest
in contributing to the reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s liberated
territories.
“Participation in such projects offers an opportunity to provide
expertise, technology, and services in infrastructure,
construction, and related sectors. This engagement aligns with the
broader framework of bilateral economic cooperation, strengthening
trade, investment, and long-term business partnerships, while
reflecting Albania’s commitment to supporting initiatives that
promote sustainable development and regional prosperity,” said
Kadia.
As for other ways of expanding the economic ties, the ambassador
noted that Albania welcomes the establishment of joint ventures
between Albanian and Azerbaijani companies as a strategic means to
strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
“Such partnerships offer opportunities to combine expertise,
technology, and resources, fostering innovation, competitiveness,
and the successful implementation of joint projects. Joint ventures
hold particular potential in sectors including energy,
infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism, while
also enhancing trade, investment, and long-term cooperation. They
reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development and the
deepening of our bilateral relations,” he explained.
Further, speaking about tourism relations, the ambassador said
Albania welcomes the prospect of establishing direct flights
between Azerbaijan and Albania as a strategic measure to strengthen
bilateral relations.
“Enhanced air connectivity, building on the existing visa-free
travel agreement, would facilitate business, tourism, and cultural
exchanges, as well as closer people-to-people ties.This initiative
complements ongoing efforts to enhance trade, investment, and
regional connectivity, reflecting the shared commitment of both
countries to deepen their economic, cultural, and social
partnership,” he said.
Albania’s perspective on Azerbaijan-Armenia peace
process
The ambassador noted that Albania welcomes the recent positive
developments in the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and
expresses hope that they will lead to a lasting resolution of the
conflict.
”We continue to follow the situation and reaffirm our support
for the mutual recognition of the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of both countries. We stress that constructive dialogue,
conducted in full respect of international norms and principles, is
essential for achieving enduring peace, reconciliation, and
stability in the South Caucasus. Albania commends the commitment of
both nations to dialogue over division and welcomes the historic
milestone towards peace formalized at the White House under the
special leadership of President Trump. We recognize this agreement
as a significant step marking the end of decades of conflict and
laying the foundation for the full normalization of relations, as
well as the strengthening of regional trust, stability, and
security,” Kadia said.
Upcoming joint events and visits
The ambassador noted that Albania looks forward to a series of
high-level visits and joint events that will further strengthen
bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan.
“The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group on Economic,
Industrial, and Technological Cooperation is scheduled to take
place in Tirana, providing a platform to advance concrete projects
and deepen institutional collaboration. President Bajram Begaj will
visit Azerbaijan from 13 to 15 March to participate in an event
organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, underscoring
Albania’s commitment to cultural and intellectual exchange.
Additionally, Prime Minister Edi Rama is expected to attend the
special meetings of World Leaders on 18 May 2026 at WUF13 in Baku,
highlighting Albania’s engagement in regional and global dialogues.
Several other visits and joint initiatives are currently in the
process of confirmation, reflecting the shared commitment of both
countries to expanding cooperation across economic, cultural, and
technological fields,” Kadia concluded.