Parviz Shahbazov meets with OPEC, GECF Secretary General and Egyptian counterpart in Vienna

On the sidelines of the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov held separate meetings with Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF); and Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt.

During the meeting with the OPEC Secretary General, the sides discussed the current state of oil market regulation, industry development trends, and cooperation within the OPEC+ framework. The positive role of collaboration between OPEC and non-OPEC countries in ensuring oil market stability was emphasized, with particular appreciation expressed for Azerbaijan’s contribution.

In talks with the GECF Secretary General, the discussion focused on Azerbaijan’s engagement with the organization and the development of the global gas sector. Mohamed Hamel noted the GECF’s planned panels and pavilions within COP29 to highlight the environmental benefits of natural gas, promote it as a sustainable and accessible energy source, showcase innovations in decarbonization, and facilitate dialogue and experience-sharing. He thanked Azerbaijan for its support of these initiatives.

Minister Shahbazov was also invited to participate in the GECF Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, on October 23, 2025.

The meeting with Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi centered on strengthening bilateral energy cooperation. The sides noted that reciprocal visits by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Egypt had boosted ties across multiple sectors, including energy.

In this context, they welcomed the signing of a Protocol on cooperation in the fields of oil and oil products, LNG trade, production and exploration projects, refining, decarbonization, and human capital development, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on electricity and renewable energy cooperation.

Both parties expressed interest in expanding collaboration on joint projects in the areas of production, petrochemicals, and refining.

Ayten Abbasli

Special correspondent