On June 5, Andrej Babiš, the Czech Prime Minister, discussed the transit of Azerbaijani oil and gas through Ukrainian territory in a conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Babiš stated that the issue was raised during their meeting in Yerevan at the European Political Community summit. "When we met in Yerevan [at the European Political Community summit, - ed.], I asked President Zelenskyy whether he would allow the transportation of Azerbaijani oil and gas through Ukrainian territory. He replied that it was possible," he said.

Babiš emphasized that the Czech Republic must ensure the implementation of its existing energy agreements with Azerbaijan. He noted growing demand for Azerbaijani energy resources and stressed their importance for the national supply system. "There is currently high demand for Azerbaijani oil and gas, and we are striving to implement the agreements we reached earlier. <...> This is important for us, as we purchase fuel from the Bratislava refinery [owned by the Hungarian MOL Group - ed.]. The Czech Republic imports about 30% of its fuel, so supplies of this raw material are of great importance," he emphasized.

The Czech prime minister further stated that Azerbaijan is currently the main supplier of crude oil to the Czech Republic. He also highlighted the expansion of economic ties between Baku and Prague, including discussions on joint business projects. In this context, Babiš noted that Czech beer producer Budějovický Budvar has already started exploring the possibility of establishing a joint venture in Azerbaijan.

Babiš also added that Czech Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček is expected to visit Azerbaijan later this year together with a delegation of business representatives to advance bilateral economic cooperation.