Georgian PM, Azerbaijani National Assembly Speaker discuss economic ties, transport, energy projects

The strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan, and questions of strengthening economic ties, transport and energy projects in the South Caucasus region were discussed on Tuesday in a meeting between the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and Sahiba Gafarova, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. 

Garibashvili noted the resumption of meetings of the Intergovernmental Economic Commission of the two countries was a “key factor” for the maintenance and development of regional projects and formats, which in turn “will increase the attractiveness of the [South Caucasus] region.”

Development of the existing transport projects for increasing competitiveness of the South Caucasus region and ensuring connection with the West were also reviewed by the sides of the meeting, the Government Administration said.

The Head of the Georgian Government thanked Azerbaijan for its “strong support” for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that “Georgia is committed to the policy of peaceful settlement of the conflicts [on its territory].” 

The conversation touched on the Georgian state strategy for de-occupation of its Russian-occupied regions and peaceful settlement of the conflicts.

Garibashvili and Gafarova also discussed the Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative of the Georgian PM for the region. The Prime Minister underlined Georgia was ready to pursue the role of “active mediation” to ensure “peace and stability" in the South Caucasus. 

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, the Government Administration said.