BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Kazakhstan and
Austria discussed international maritime security and the stability
of Kazakh oil supplies to European markets amid the situation
surrounding the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).


The talks were held between Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign
Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev and Austria's Federal Minister for
European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the
Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.


The sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the
uninterrupted operation of the route, through which a significant
share of Kazakh oil reaches Austria, accounting for around 56% of
the country's crude oil imports.


"The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on current issues of the
international and regional agenda. Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Kazakhstan congratulated the Austrian side on Austria’s election as
a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028,
expressing readiness for further constructive cooperation within
the Organization", the ministry said.


The sides also stressed the importance of maintaining regular
contacts and confirmed their readiness to further develop practical
cooperation based on existing agreements, including those reached
during Meinl-Reisinger's previous visit.







The CPC is a major international oil transportation project
involving Russia, Kazakhstan and leading global energy companies.
The system includes a 1,500-kilometer pipeline transporting crude
oil primarily from Kazakhstan's Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan
fields, as well as from Russian producers. About 80% of
Kazakhstan's oil exports are transported through the CPC
system.


On July 30, 2026, the tanker Nissos Sifnos was attacked by a
drone near the loading manifold while completing loading operations
at the Single Point Mooring-3 (SPM-3). In addition, the tanker
Marathi, which had been scheduled for loading, was also attacked by
a drone approximately 6-7 nautical miles from the CPC marine
terminal. Attacks on the consortium were also reported on July 19
and 20.


On August 1, 2026, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy said it was
not considering a complete suspension of CPC operations.