German ambassador highlights Azerbaijan’s growing role in Europe’s energy security

Germany sees Azerbaijan as an increasingly important partner in energy, regional connectivity and multilateral diplomacy, German Ambassador Ralf Horlemann said during his farewell meeting with Azerbaijani journalists.

The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan’s international position has strengthened in recent years, while the role of the Turkic world has also become more visible through the development of the Organization of Turkic States and deeper cooperation among its members.

Horlemann said this trend is unfolding against the backdrop of a weakening global order and growing challenges to multilateral cooperation. In his view, this is particularly important for Azerbaijan, which has consistently supported multilateral platforms. He pointed to COP29 and WUF13 as examples of major international events hosted by Azerbaijan, showing that global challenges require collective solutions.

Speaking about bilateral relations, the ambassador described ties between Germany and Azerbaijan as friendly, pragmatic and stable. He recalled the historical roots of the relationship, including the presence of German settlers in Azerbaijan in the 19th century, and noted that political contacts between the two countries have intensified in recent years.

Horlemann emphasized that Germany’s current foreign policy is built around three priorities: security, prosperity and freedom. These principles, he said, also shape Berlin’s dialogue with Baku.

The ambassador noted that regular political consultations, investment projects and parliamentary contacts allow the two countries to discuss a wide range of issues, including regional security, relations with Russia and Iran, energy cooperation and climate policy.

Economic relations between Azerbaijan and Germany are also developing steadily. According to Horlemann, bilateral trade reached around 1.7 billion euros last year. He stressed that the trade balance remains relatively even, which distinguishes Azerbaijan-Germany trade from many other partnerships involving energy-exporting countries.

Germany mainly imports Azerbaijani oil, while its exports to Azerbaijan include machinery, industrial equipment, electronics and vehicles. The ambassador said this balanced structure creates a strong basis for expanding economic cooperation.

Energy remains one of the most important areas of partnership. Horlemann said Azerbaijan’s economic transformation, including the gradual shift toward renewable energy and broader industrial modernization, could open new opportunities for German companies and investors.

He also noted that three German companies have already signed contracts with SOCAR for the purchase of Azerbaijani gas.

Although Germany does not receive Azerbaijani gas directly through a pipeline connection, Horlemann explained that Azerbaijani gas supplied to the European Union enters the common European energy market. Through swap operations and market mechanisms, especially involving Italy and Austria, Germany indirectly benefits from Azerbaijani gas supplies.

According to the ambassador, this contributes to the stability of Europe’s energy market and helps reduce pressure on the continent’s energy system following Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Horlemann’s remarks underline Azerbaijan’s growing role not only as an energy supplier, but also as a reliable partner for Europe in a period of geopolitical uncertainty and economic transformation.