EU denies importing Russian gas through Azerbaijan

The European Union (EU) Monday denied reports on its import of Russian gas through Azerbaijan, saying that Azerbaijan isn't reexporting Russian gas to the EU and that a series of energy deals with Azerbaijan aren't creating a back door for more Russian gas to reach the continent.

Tim McPhie, spokesman for Climate Action and Energy at the European Commission, said that Azerbaijan's imports of Russian gas are for domestic consumption only, not for reexport to the EU, denying any allegation of the EU's import of Russian gas through the South Caucasus country.

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EU denies importing Russian gas through Azerbaijan

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EU denies importing Russian gas through Azerbaijan

As part of the EU's efforts to end reliance on Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a landmark agreement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in 2022, designed to double the bloc's imports from Azerbaijan by 2027.

Since then, Russia and Azerbaijan have also struck a string of gas transportation agreements.

According to U.S. media outlet Politico, Azerbaijan has significantly increased its imports of fossil fuels from Russia in order to boost its exports to Europe. The UK's Royal Institute of International Affairs previously claimed that Russian gas is being transported to Europe via Azerbaijan and Turkey to meet Europe's ongoing high demand.

In response, McPhie noted that the EU's information indicates Azerbaijan imports less than one billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually, which is used only for domestic purposes.

According to Politico, Azerbaijan has sold approximately 10 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe so far this year. When asked about the source and accuracy of EU data, McPhie stated that it needs to be "carefully verified."

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran are underway in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday under the mediation of Qatar and Pakistan, an informed source told Xinhua.

The talks are taking place indirectly now, with no face-to-face meetings between the two sides, the source said, adding that the sessions are closed and are being facilitated by the mediators.

The source added that at least three working groups are holding technical talks in Doha, covering the nuclear issue, diplomacy, financing, and the return of frozen Iranian funds.