May 05 (V7N) -Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Monday during a visit to Baku that Italy and Azerbaijan will strengthen ties in both energy and defence.  

With European countries seeking alternatives to Russian oil and gas amid the Ukraine war and disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, Meloni emphasized that Azerbaijani supplies have been “crucial” for Italy’s energy security since Russia’s invasion. She said the two sides would work to increase volumes and establish “a sort of permanent political coordination.”  

Last year, Azerbaijan supplied 9.5 billion cubic metres of gas to Italy via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, accounting for about 16 percent of Italy’s gas imports. President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that Italy remains Azerbaijan’s top trading partner and a key destination for its energy exports. He noted that expanding the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, part of the Southern Gas Corridor, would be necessary to boost deliveries.  

Beyond energy, Meloni said the two countries also discussed expanding cooperation in defence and security, describing it as “another key area.”  

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