Switzerland sees broad opportunities to strengthen clean energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and Central Asia as the country continues reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis said. His remarks came after a joint briefing in Baku alongside Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
During the discussion, Cassis referred to the existing presence of SOCAR in Switzerland, noting that the company has established a wide network of filling stations across the country.
“SOCAR is well known in Switzerland. I personally also use SOCAR filling stations from time to time when I drive,” he said.
Switzerland Accelerates Renewable Energy Development
Cassis explained that Switzerland is pursuing an extensive national policy focused on lowering dependence on hydrocarbons and fossil fuels while speeding up the shift toward clean energy sources. As part of this effort, the government has introduced a range of incentive measures designed to encourage the expansion of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources throughout the country.
“About one-third of private households in Switzerland already generate electricity through solar panels. During summer months, energy production can sometimes exceed the capacity of the country’s electricity grid,” Cassis said.
He further noted that Switzerland possesses considerable industrial capabilities in photovoltaic technologies as well as other clean energy solutions.
“This potential can also create opportunities for new investments in Azerbaijan and the Central Asia region,” Cassis said.
Support for COP Goals and the United Nations 2030 Agenda
Emphasizing Switzerland’s broader international commitment, Cassis said the country supports the transition away from fossil fuels toward clean energy through the framework of COP and in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
“We believe the future belongs not to fossil fuels, but to clean energy. This transition should take place as quickly as possible in the coming decades, and we are ready to contribute as much as possible to this process,” Cassis added.
