Izmir, a city known for its rich history and bustling port on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, is set to host a pivotal event in the energy sector: the 4th Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum. Scheduled for September 4, 2025, the forum brings together high-level officials and industry leaders from both nations, signaling a renewed commitment to deepen strategic cooperation in energy and related sectors.
According to Azernews and APA’s Türkiye bureau, the forum will be attended by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar. Their presence underscores the importance both governments place on fostering closer ties in the energy domain, especially as global markets face ongoing volatility and the need for reliable, diversified energy sources becomes ever more pressing.
This year’s gathering in Izmir marks the fourth installment of the Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum, an initiative established within the framework of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The forum’s primary aim is to strengthen the already robust strategic energy relationship between the two countries, which has become a cornerstone of their broader economic and political partnership.
“The forum will focus on strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries and discussing existing projects,” reported APA’s Türkiye bureau. But the agenda doesn’t stop there. According to Azernews, key sectors up for discussion include hydrocarbons and petrochemicals, renewable energy, energy efficiency, regulation, mining, and other related fields. This comprehensive approach reflects both nations’ recognition of the need to balance traditional energy sources with emerging technologies and sustainability imperatives.
One of the highlights of the forum is the anticipated signing of a new cooperation protocol. While the specifics of this protocol have not been disclosed ahead of the event, its inclusion on the agenda signals a concrete step forward in formalizing and expanding joint projects. Past forums have produced tangible outcomes, and expectations are high that this year’s meeting will yield similar results, perhaps even setting the stage for new investments and collaborative ventures in both conventional and renewable energy sectors.
Adding a practical dimension to the proceedings, participants will also visit SOCAR’s Aliaga terminal, a major facility operated by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). The terminal is a linchpin in the region’s energy logistics, handling significant volumes of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals. This site visit is more than just a tour; it serves as a testament to the on-the-ground impact of bilateral cooperation and offers a firsthand look at the infrastructure underpinning the energy partnership.
The roots of the Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum stretch back to December 2021, when the inaugural meeting was held in Baku. Since then, the forum has rotated among key cities: Istanbul hosted the second forum in October 2022, and Nakhchivan the third in September 2023. Each iteration has built on the successes and lessons of the previous, gradually broadening the scope of cooperation and deepening mutual trust.
For both Türkiye and Azerbaijan, energy collaboration is not just about economics—it’s a matter of national strategy and regional influence. The two countries have long viewed each other as indispensable partners, sharing deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. But in recent years, energy has emerged as a defining pillar of their alliance. Joint projects, such as the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, have not only secured energy supplies for both nations but have also positioned them as key players in the Eurasian energy landscape.
In the words of an official statement cited by Azernews, the forum was “established within the framework of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation to further strengthen strategic energy ties between the two countries.” This formal mechanism allows for regular dialogue, the sharing of expertise, and the alignment of energy policies, ensuring that both countries can respond effectively to shifting market dynamics and technological advances.
Beyond hydrocarbons, this year’s forum places a notable emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency. This is no coincidence. As the world grapples with climate change and the urgent need to decarbonize, both Azerbaijan and Türkiye are seeking ways to diversify their energy portfolios. The inclusion of renewables and efficiency measures on the agenda demonstrates a forward-looking approach, one that acknowledges the necessity of balancing immediate economic needs with long-term sustainability goals.
Mining and regulatory frameworks will also be discussed, reflecting the broader economic interdependence between the two countries. Effective regulation is crucial for attracting investment and ensuring that projects are developed in a manner that benefits both nations. Mining, meanwhile, remains a vital sector, providing raw materials essential for energy infrastructure and technological development.
Of course, the forum is not just about high-level policy discussions. It also provides a platform for business leaders, technical experts, and other stakeholders to network, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. These interactions often lead to partnerships that extend well beyond the confines of the official program, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
Looking back, the trajectory of the Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum reflects a broader trend in regional energy cooperation. By institutionalizing regular dialogue and focusing on both traditional and emerging sectors, the two countries have managed to build a resilient partnership capable of weathering global shocks. The forum’s evolution—from its inaugural meeting in Baku to this year’s event in Izmir—illustrates a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.
For Izmir, hosting the forum is both an honor and an opportunity. The city’s strategic location, industrial base, and access to major energy infrastructure make it an ideal venue for such an important gathering. The presence of SOCAR’s Aliaga terminal further cements Izmir’s status as a regional energy hub.
As the 4th Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum gets underway, all eyes will be on the outcomes—both the immediate agreements and the longer-term partnerships that may emerge. With energy security, economic growth, and sustainability all on the line, the stakes could hardly be higher. The decisions made in Izmir this week will reverberate far beyond the shores of the Aegean, shaping the energy future of both nations for years to come.
In a world where energy cooperation is increasingly vital, the enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye stands as a model for others—a blend of pragmatism, ambition, and shared vision that continues to drive progress on multiple fronts.
