As Azerbaijan solidifies its role as a key energy and logistics provider for the European Union, Croatia’s advanced infrastructure—from the Krk LNG terminal to JANAF and the Port of Rijeka—is positioned to act as a vital gateway to Central and South-Eastern European markets.
Geopolitical shifts driven by the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East have profoundly reshaped the South Caucasus, emphasizing the critical need for secure energy corridors and resilient supply chains. In this evolving regional architecture, the strategic partnership between Croatia and Azerbaijan has gained significant momentum. With Azerbaijan boosting its natural gas exports to the EU by approximately 65 percent, Croatia’s geostrategic position offers a natural extension for these vital flows into Europe. We talk with the H. E. Anar Imanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Croatia about the expansion of bilateral trade, the unused potential of the Middle Corridor, the current state of the peace process with Armenia, and the joint ten-year vision of turning political trust into tangible commercial success.
- Croatia and Azerbaijan define their relations as a strategic partnership. What is its most concrete result today, and in which areas do you see the greatest scope for deepening it—trade, investments, infrastructure or energy?
Azerbaijan and Croatia enjoy a strategic partnership built on mutual respect and trust. In recent years, our relations have gained momentum through reciprocal visits at the highest political level and bilateral events in Baku and Zagreb. Energy remains the cornerstone of our cooperation. Azerbaijan is a reliable supplier of crude oil to Croatia, contributing to its energy security and supply diversification. We are determined to broaden our partnership beyond energy into trade, investment, transport, infrastructure, and tourism. The fourth session of the Azerbaijan–Croatia Intergovernmental Commission, held in Zagreb on 30 September 2026, represented an important step forward in translating political commitments into practical economic initiatives and encouraging direct engagement between business operators. The greatest untapped potential lies in combining our energy partnership with stronger trade links and enhanced transport connectivity. Both countries possess complementary strengths and strategic geographical positions. By utilizing these advantages, we can build a resilient economic relationship. The coming years will bring tangible progress in bilateral trade, reciprocal investments, and joint projects, demonstrating clear economic benefits for both countries.
- Azerbaijan has become an important gas supplier to the European Union. What role can Croatia play in this strategy, particularly considering the LNG terminal on Krk, Croatia’s gas infrastructure, and the potential for further increasing supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor?
Energy is a strong pillar of Azerbaijan–Croatia cooperation, with considerable opportunities in the natural gas sector. Azerbaijan has demonstrated its reliability as an energy partner to Europe, especially since the 2022 energy crisis. In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 12.8 billion cubic metres of natural gas to EU member states, representing an approximate 65 per cent increase compared with previous volumes. Croatia has the potential to become a significant regional partner due to its strategic location, developed energy infrastructure, and the LNG terminal on Krk. Expanding the terminal’s capacity, alongside developing Croatia’s gas transmission network and cross-border interconnections, could create new opportunities for gas diversification across Central and South-Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan is also exploring LNG-related commercial activities to diversify exports. Future deliveries will depend on available production, export capacity, infrastructure, and commercial arrangements. The July 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between Azerbaijan and the EU established a framework to double Azerbaijani gas supplies to the EU by 2027 compared with 2021 levels. Achieving this requires continued investment in production and transmission infrastructure. Croatia can play an important role by combining its regional connectivity with Azerbaijan’s supply capabilities to benefit the wider European energy market.
- Is there scope for stronger integration of Azerbaijan with Croatia’s oil and transport infrastructure—including JANAF and the Port of Rijeka—and can Croatia become a more important link between Azerbaijan and Central European markets?
Absolutely. There is substantial potential to deepen cooperation in energy, transport, and logistics. The challenge is to translate this into concrete commercial projects through closer cooperation between institutions, infrastructure operators, and private companies. In the oil sector, the JANAF pipeline system and the Port of Rijeka offer an important basis for cooperation. Croatia acts as both a destination and a transit country through which Azerbaijani crude oil reaches Central European markets like Hungary and Slovakia. There is scope to use this existing infrastructure and regional networks more effectively to strengthen supply reliability at a time when European countries seek resilient supply chains. Beyond energy, transport connectivity is highly promising. Azerbaijan is a key transit country along the Middle Corridor, connecting Asia and Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Croatia occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of Central and South-Eastern Europe, with Adriatic access and transport connections to the hinterland. During Croatia’s chairmanship of the Three Seas Initiative, particular attention was paid to the Middle Corridor and its potential links with transport projects in the Three Seas region. Closer cooperation could encompass maritime transport, port logistics, rail, road, intermodal freight solutions, and digital transport procedures. By improving links between the Caspian and Adriatic regions, Azerbaijan and Croatia can create efficient trade routes between Asia and Central Europe, acting as regional hubs and practical bridges between markets.
- What is the current status of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and what needs to be done to prevent a new escalation and ensure lasting peace?
The peace process has entered a crucial phase, creating an opportunity for peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation. The high-level meeting in Washington in August 2025, mediated by US President Donald Trump, represented an important milestone. Since then, both countries have continued working towards establishing peaceful relations. From Azerbaijan’s perspective, a comprehensive peace agreement requires resolving outstanding issues that could undermine its implementation. Specifically, Azerbaijan considers the provisions of Armenia’s Constitution referring to its Declaration of Independence incompatible with the mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Addressing this constitutional issue is essential to removing legal and political obstacles to a durable peace. A lasting settlement depends on the consistent implementation of commitments, the rejection of territorial claims or revanchist rhetoric, and building mutual confidence. The international community should support the peace process rather than narratives that revive confrontation. Peace can deliver tangible benefits through opening regional transport links and restoring economic connections. Azerbaijan has unilaterally lifted restrictions on trade and transit to Armenia that were imposed during the occupation of our territories. Today, various goods are transported to Armenia via Azerbaijan, and we sell gasoline and diesel fuel to Armenia. Azerbaijan demonstrates its commitment to good-neighborly relations through practical action and looks forward to serious steps from Armenia, notably the mentioned constitutional changes.
- The war in Ukraine, relations between Russia and the West, and instability in the Middle East are altering the geopolitical position of the South Caucasus. How does Azerbaijan view its role amid Russia, Turkey, Iran, and the European Union—and where do you see Croatia fitting into this new regional architecture?
The war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East have reshaped the geopolitical landscape surrounding the South Caucasus, highlighting the importance of reliable energy supplies, diversified transport routes, and constructive diplomacy. Azerbaijan pursues a pragmatic, independent, and multi-vector foreign policy. Our geographical position places us at the intersection of Europe and Asia, enabling us to contribute to regional connectivity and energy security. Following the 2022 energy crisis, Azerbaijan responded to European requests for additional gas supplies, reinforcing its position as a reliable partner. Concurrently, the changing environment has increased the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor connecting China and Central Asia with Europe. Azerbaijan has invested significantly in its ports, railways, roads, and logistics facilities, as demonstrated by the growing volume of freight moving through the country. Our relations with Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the EU are shaped by distinct geographical and strategic considerations. Azerbaijan seeks to maintain constructive relations with neighbours while expanding cooperation with European partners. In an uncertain international environment, connectivity and economic interdependence serve as instruments of stability. Croatia can play a valuable role in this architecture. As an EU member with an Adriatic position, developed energy infrastructure, and links to Central European markets, it is a natural partner to enhance connectivity between the Caspian and Adriatic regions. We see potential for cooperation in energy diversification, port and railway connectivity, logistics, and investment. Although geographically distant, our strategic interests converge around resilient supply chains and stronger links between Europe and Asia.
- Looking five to ten years ahead, what concrete project or result would demonstrate that the Croatian–Azerbaijani strategic partnership is not merely a political declaration but a genuine strategic partnership?
Our strategic partnership is already reflected in energy cooperation, regular high-level exchanges, and mutual support within international organisations. Over the next five to ten years, I would like to see this evolve into a comprehensive, economically integrated relationship supported by major investments and tangible projects.
One primary objective is to significantly increase bilateral trade and reciprocal investment. We encourage companies to explore opportunities in energy, infrastructure, transport, logistics, tourism, agriculture, and information technology. Establishing stronger business-to-business contacts and improving access to investment information are important steps. Energy cooperation should remain a central pillar while becoming more diversified, including oil transportation, natural gas supplies, and new projects strengthening connectivity between the Caspian and Adriatic regions. Another concrete ambition is establishing efficient transport links through enhanced maritime, rail, and road connections, alongside greater coordination between infrastructure operators.
I also attach great importance to establishing direct air links between Baku and Zagreb, subject to market demand and commercial sustainability. Direct flights would facilitate business travel, tourism, and cultural exchanges, bringing our societies closer together. Ultimately, a truly strategic partnership should be measured by results visible to citizens and businesses: higher trade volumes, joint ventures, increased investment flows, and a growing number of students, tourists, and professionals travelling between our nations. Achieving substantial reciprocal investments and direct connectivity within the next decade will demonstrate that the Azerbaijan–Croatia partnership has matured into a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship.