Turkmenistan's foreign ministry has stated that they do not perceive any obstacles in the creation of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, which is intended to run beneath the Caspian Sea, facilitating the transportation of Turkmen gas to the European Union.
"We firmly believe that no political, economic, or financial factors stand in the way of constructing the gas pipeline. On the contrary, the Trans-Caspian pipeline is an entirely realistic project, economically justified, and capable of making a substantial contribution to ensuring energy security in Eurasia. It will provide long-term and uninterrupted access to raw materials for European consumers, while also considering the evident benefits and interests of the transit party. In light of this, Turkmenistan remains committed to the strategy of diversifying energy flows and expresses readiness to continue cooperating with partners in the successful implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline project," the statement reads.
The foreign ministry highlighted that international media has started publishing comments regarding the feasibility of implementing the project for Turkmen natural gas supplies in the western direction. Notably, on July 21, 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made remarks at a media forum in Shusha, stating that the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project "is not something for Azerbaijan to initiate or invest in." However, he emphasized that his country is willing to offer infrastructure support or provide territory for the creation of necessary infrastructure for the project.
In response to the recent developments, the foreign ministry reaffirmed that Turkmenistan's proposal to construct the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline was not solely viewed as an economically viable project but also as a vital element in the diversification of energy flows. The country initially put forward the idea with the understanding that diversification is crucial for global energy security and sustainability. It is essential to consider the interests and benefits of all stakeholders, including producers, consumers and transit countries alike.
"Which, by the way, all potential project participants are on board with. Moreover, the progress and development of the Trans-Caspian pipeline construction have been consistent and substantial, with significant political and functional support from the international community. Furthermore, there is no doubt about the project's international legal validity, as it was confirmed in 2018 when the five littoral states adopted the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which regulates key principles of policy in the Caspian Sea region," the ministry added.
It specifically references Article 14 of the document, which indicates that the parties involved have the right to lay cables and pipelines on the seabed of the Caspian Sea. Moreover, the determination of the specific route for laying underwater cables and pipelines is subject to mutual agreement with the respective party whose sector of the seabed the cables or pipelines will pass through. "As a result, the current status of the Trans-Caspian pipeline's construction is closely connected to the process of delimitation of the seabed between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan," the foreign ministry concludes.
About the project
The governments of Ashgabat and Baku have long been exploring the possibility of constructing a gas pipeline that would run along the Caspian Sea bed, connecting the coast of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan. As per the provisions outlined in the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, such projects are required to be mutually agreed upon only between the countries whose territorial waters the pipeline will traverse. Following the signing of the convention, various media outlets reported that the agreement has paved the way for the implementation of this particular project. The envisioned gas pipeline aims to supply Turkmen gas to the European market, with a proposed volume of 30 billion cubic meters annually for a minimum of 30 years.
At present, the sole existing means of supplying Turkmen gas to Western markets is through transit pipelines that pass through the territories of Kazakhstan and Russia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: btr/Creative Commons 2.5
Based on materials from TASS