Georgian Environment Minister discusses ties with Azerbaijani counterpart in Dubai

Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, on Tuesday discussed prospects for future cooperation with Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, in a meeting held as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference hosted in the United Arab Emirates.

The officials decided to create a joint working group for the “main initiatives” for next year’s conference, scheduled to be held in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku. Shamugia pledged his “full support” to Babayev to ensure the “high level of the important event for the region”, the Georgian Ministry said.

I think we have many chances to do more and prepare new concepts, including at the regional level. For all of us, the 29th Conference will be a good opportunity to show the world how our region, Azerbaijan and Georgia are moving towards a green future”, Babayev said.

The Ministry said the Azerbaijani official also emphasised the role of Georgia in the process of peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The signing of the peace agreement is of special importance for the world. Georgia has a great role in normalising relations, which we appreciate very much”, the Minister said.

In his turn, Shamugia noted cooperation of officials of the two countries contributed to “deep and positive” relations in “various directions”, adding peace in the region had “no alternative”.