The European Commission has signed an agreement with Azerbaijan to double Azerbaijan's natural gas imports to at least 20 billion cubic meters per year by 2027.

"Today, with this new Memorandum of Understanding, we are opening a new chapter in our energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, a key partner in our efforts to move away from Russian fossil fuels," said Ursula von der Leyen.

Otherwise, the EU is looking for alternative suppliers after the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

As stated further, Azerbaijan is already increasing natural gas deliveries to the EU from 8.1 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2021 to 12 billion cubic meters in 2022.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that it will be impossible for Russia to "cut off" from the rest of the world and that the country should focus on developing its technology and supporting fast-growing companies.

"It is clear, we cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world.

In today's world, you can't 'encircle' everything with a compass and put up a big fence, it's just not possible," Putin was quoted as saying during a video conference with government officials.

The Russian leader also said Moscow would overcome the "colossal" technology problems his country is facing as a result of sweeping Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

"This is a big challenge for our country," Putin said.

"Understanding the colossal amount of difficulties we are facing, we will seek new solutions in an energetic and competent manner."

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