The Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline system is one of the largest and longest oil pipeline networks in the world. Constructed in the early 1960s during the Soviet era, it was designed to integrate the energy systems of Eastern Bloc countries and ensure a stable supply of crude oil to industrial centres across Europe.

Since the 2010s, Azerbaijan has significantly strengthened its position on the international stage, emerging as a notable player due to its stable economic growth. The oil and gas sector has remained the primary driver of this progress, continuing to serve as the backbone of the economy. However, despite its external economic reliance on energy resources, Azerbaijan has made substantial strides in diversifying its economy. This has led to notable advancements in agriculture, trade, and tourism, despite ongoing challenges in regional development.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the critical role in Europe’s energy diversification at a conference in Belgrade.

Hungarian Ambassador to Baku Tamás Torma hailed Azerbaijan’s growing role in diversifying Europe’s energy resources.