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.