Azerbaijan and Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline

The government of Azerbaijan supports the idea of a trans-Caspian gas pipeline, Azeri Energy Minister Natik Aliyev stated recently. Aliyev went on to add that Azerbaijan will do everything it can to facilitate the construction of a pipeline across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan. But Turkmenistan must also play a major role if the pipeline is to be built, he added. Turkmenistan is very rich in natural gas reserves and a trans-Caspian pipeline could significantly increase the supply of natural gas and oil to the West.