Azerbaijan eager to supply more gas to Europe in Russia's stead

Deal to double exports offers much-needed relief to South Europe and Balkans

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, right, shakes hands with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, on July 18. (Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan/Handout via Reuters)

SINAN TAVSAN, Nikkei Staff Writer

July 19, 2022 16:43 JST

ISTANBUL -- The European Union on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan, aiming to double gas imports from the energy-rich South Caucasus country as the 27-member bloc seeks to reduce dependence on Russia.