BAKU, March 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Europe's energy cooperation with Azerbaijan is more important than ever as the Middle East war rattles global markets, European Council President Antonio Costa said Wednesday during a visit to the country.

European governments fear the war could further disrupt energy supplies and push prices even higher, prompting the EU to accelerate efforts to diversify gas sources and strengthen partnerships with alternative suppliers such as energy-rich Azerbaijan.

"With the war in Iran shaking global energy markets, our energy partnership is more important than ever," Costa told a press conference alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the capital Baku.

Azerbaijan has already been "central" to Europe's effort to diversify energy supply sources, he added.

The European Union is now working with Azerbaijan on a new framework for closer cooperation, he said, adding that the sides were also exploring ways to deepen ties in defence and security.

Aliyev said "Azerbaijan continues to play an important role in ensuring Europe's energy security."

Costa also thanked Azerbaijan for helping facilitate the safe repatriation of European citizens from Iran amid the war.

Triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran launched on February 28, the war in the Middle East has unsettled global energy markets and pushed oil prices higher, as traders assess risks to major shipping routes and supply disruptions.