Georgian PM, Azerbaijani President review strategic cooperation
The security environment and challenges in the South Caucasus region and the world were also part of the discussion between the Georgian and Azerbaijani officials, with Garibashvili expressing hope that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia would be signed soon amid current escalations. Photo via Government Administration
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The strategic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan was discussed on Sunday in a meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
At the face-to-face meeting in Tbilisi, as part of the Azerbaijani official’s visit to the country, the sides discussed the existing partnership between the two states in energy, transport and logistics, the Government Administration said.
Garibashvili highlighted Azerbaijan as “one of the major trading partners” of Georgia and noted that in 2023 the trade between the countries increased by 15 percent, with the growth of cargo transportation as well.
The conversation also touched on the development prospects of the Middle Corridor, with the sides noting that the countries were working in coordination with Kazakhstan to “rapidly develop the corridor”, which involves the modernisation of railways, expansion and construction of ports and development of roads.
It was noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia started “large-scale works” in this direction, with a railway modernisation project “actively underway” in Georgia, which was to be completed by the end of 2024.
The Georgian side said the country was “actively cooperating” with Azerbaijan in the construction of the East-West International Highway, which would be completed soon. The officials also reviewed the construction of Anaklia deep sea port, planned to start shortly.
The “historical and strategically important” Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line project was also highlighted by Garibashvili, noting that the project was “successfully underway” and would be completed “in a few months”.
The security environment and challenges in the South Caucasus region and the world were also part of the discussion between the Georgian and Azerbaijani officials, with Garibashvili expressing hope that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia would be signed soon amid current escalations, “which will help establish long-term peace in the South Caucasus and bring prosperity to all three countries of the region”.
The Head of the Government stressed Georgia was always ready to contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.
He thanked Aliyev for his “steadfast” support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed his support to Azerbaijan in this regard.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday highlighted the “successful” joint energy and transport projects and initiatives with Georgia and expressed a desire to deepen cooperation.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday said he and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili “have done and are doing everything” to strengthen the friendship and partnership between the nations.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday said Georgia was developing “confidently” under the leadership of the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Sunday said all three countries of the South Caucasus region - Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia - had to solve their regional and development issues “by themselves”.
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Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Sunday said the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had already planned a working visit to Azerbaijan.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday attended a photo exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of late Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday lauded his “great meeting” with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday, which he said had been focused on “strengthening” bilateral ties and “fostering economic growth”.
Georgian Vice Parliament Speaker Gia Volski on Monday said Tbilisi could “successfully facilitate” talks for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia due to its “very high reputation”.