Berlin: 'We have not been buying gas from Russia for four and a half years, and we are not signing new contracts,' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at a joint press conference with President Ilham Aliyev, as reported by APA's correspondent dispatched to Berlin.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the German Chancellor highlighted the significant role Azerbaijan plays in Germany's energy landscape. Chancellor Merz expressed his appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for facilitating increased gas supplies from Azerbaijan. He emphasized Germany's strategic interest in diversifying its energy imports, particularly natural gas. Merz noted that Azerbaijan, with its energy surplus, is a vital partner for Germany, especially in ensuring energy supply to southern regions where existing infrastructure can support such imports.

Merz further elaborated on the discussions held with President Aliyev, focusing on the prospects of enhancing gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Germany. He underscored the importance of Azerbaijan as a critical supplier in the broader strategy of sourcing new energy supplies. The discussions also covered exploring other supply sources and affirmed this as a key topic in ongoing and future negotiations with Azerbaijan.