On July 15, Parviz Shahbazov, the Azerbaijani Energy Minister, stated that Azerbaijan’s energy policy is fully aligned with the objectives of the OPEC+ platform. Speaking at the inaugural Technical Committee meeting of the OPEC+ Charter of Cooperation (CoC) held in Baku, Shahbazov emphasized that OPEC+ serves not only as a mechanism for managing oil production but also as a key platform for maintaining stability in the global oil market and balancing the interests of producers and consumers.

He highlighted that the priorities outlined in the Charter of Cooperation, including strengthening dialogue with major oil-consuming countries, promoting technology and investment in the oil sector, expanding cooperation on regulatory policies, improving market analysis, and developing industry standards, are essential for further enhancing cooperation within OPEC+. Shahbazov stated that the first meeting of the Technical Committee represents an important step toward implementing the Charter’s objectives and will help establish more systematic cooperation among participating countries. "Throughout history, Baku has acted as a bridge between East and West, producers and consumers, past and future. Today, the city has also become a reliable dialogue platform that brings together traditional energy and the new realities of the energy transition," Shahbazov stated. He added that the discussions would contribute to strengthening global energy security, mutual trust, and market stability.

Shahbazov emphasized that selecting Baku as the venue for the first Technical Committee meeting was a recognition of Azerbaijan’s historical role in the global energy sector and its contribution to modern international energy cooperation. He noted that Azerbaijan’s long-term participation in the OPEC+ initiative demonstrates the successful development of relations between the country and the organization. The minister also referred to Azerbaijan’s place in oil history, recalling that the first industrially drilled oil well, opened in Bibiheybat in 1846, is displayed at OPEC’s headquarters in Vienna as a symbol of the country’s contribution to the global oil industry. Shahbazov further stated that maintaining a balance between global oil supply and demand remains one of Azerbaijan’s main priorities within the OPEC+ framework. He noted that Baku has been an active participant in the Declaration of Cooperation for nearly a decade and has contributed to efforts aimed at stabilizing the international oil market. "Our primary goal is to preserve the balance between supply and demand. This is a clear indicator of our commitment to cooperation within OPEC+. Azerbaijan will continue to contribute to maintaining stability in the global energy market and to advancing international cooperation," Shahbazov emphasized.