On March 1, the 10th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting convened at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan participated in the event and delivered remarks.

President Aliyev highlighted the robust political dialogue and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in energy security initiatives such as the Southern Gas Corridor project. The President also acknowledged the presence of Commissioner Simson, emphasizing her pivotal role alongside the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan as co-chair of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor. He underscored the importance of EU cooperation in energy diversification and security efforts, which have reshaped the landscape of energy supplies.

Reflecting on recent milestones, President Aliyev noted the commencement of commercial natural gas production from the Absheron gas and condensate field, marking a significant advancement in Azerbaijan's energy diversification projects. He highlighted Azerbaijan's expanded natural gas exports to Hungary and Serbia, further solidifying its position as a reliable energy partner in Europe. President Aliyev outlined forthcoming initiatives, including the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli deep gas project and the second phase of the Umid gas condensate field development. These projects aim to enhance Azerbaijan's natural gas production capacity and contribute to regional energy security.

The President also highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to renewable energy initiatives, citing the inauguration of a major solar power plant and plans for significant expansion in solar and wind energy production by 2030. He emphasized Azerbaijan's role in the global transition to green energy and its ambition to become a significant exporter of green energy to Europe. President Aliyev praised the Southern Gas Corridor as a model of successful energy cooperation, emphasizing its role in enhancing regional partnerships and energy security. He emphasized the importance of fair judgment regarding fossil fuel-producing nations, advocating for a balanced approach considering environmental protection efforts.

Addressing criticism over Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29, President Aliyev defended the decision, portraying it as a testament to Azerbaijan's commitment to addressing climate change and fostering international cooperation.

In her turn, European Commissioner for Energy and co-chair of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Kadri Simson highlighted the evolution of the Southern Gas Corridor project and its pivotal role in ensuring stable and secure gas supplies to Europe. She emphasized the substantial increase in gas flows from the Southern Gas Corridor to Europe, demonstrating Azerbaijan's emergence as a pan-European supplier.

Commissioner Simson underscored the enduring commitment of the EU to Azerbaijan and its strategic energy cooperation, particularly in the context of Europe's energy transition away from reliance on Russian energy sources. She reiterated the EU's long-term commitment to expanding the Southern Gas Corridor and doubling gas trade by 2027.

Furthermore, Commissioner Simson emphasized the evolution of the Southern Gas Corridor as a platform for cooperation in renewables and electrification, highlighting Azerbaijan's commitment to clean energy initiatives. She praised Azerbaijan's support for the Global Pledge on renewable energy and energy efficiency, noting the growing interest from EU renewable companies in collaborating with Azerbaijan. Simson discussed the significance of the proposed green energy corridor between the South Caucasus and the EU, including the initiative to build an electricity cable under the Black Sea. She highlighted Azerbaijan's pivotal role in future electricity exports to the EU, especially considering the projected increase in EU electricity consumption.

Notably, during the March 1 gathering, representatives from 23 countries, 6 international organizations, and 44 companies, including Azerbaijan and the European Union, participated. The attendees comprised ministers, deputy ministers, and other senior officials.

In conjunction with the Advisory Council, the 6th ministerial meeting dedicated to the implementation of the "Agreement on a strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary" was held. Additionally, an Azerbaijan-EU roundtable on the advancement of offshore wind energy took place on the sidelines of the event. Several documents about green energy initiatives were signed during the proceedings.