Georgian FM highlights importance of peace in South Caucasus, ties with Azerbaijan, Turkey

Maka Botchorishvili, the Georgian Foreign Minister, on Thursday highlighted the importance of peace in the South Caucasus region and closer cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey in a trilateral format, in a press briefing with her Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku. 

In her comments, the FM pointed to the Black Sea submarine electricity cable project, signed in 2022, and described it as a “transformative initiative for Georgia, Azerbaijan, and the wider region”. 

This project will strengthen connectivity across the Black Sea and enable us to fully use our regional capabilities. Cooperation in various formats is essential for this effort”, Botchorishvili said.

The Minister highlighted the importance of the “strategic partnership” between Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, stressing the need for continued collaboration in a trilateral format. 

I look forward to holding a foreign ministers' meeting in this framework soon to further strengthen our cooperation”, she noted. 

Botchorishvili also highlighted the role of cooperation between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania, and Hungary in “unlocking the region's potential and advancing ambitious regional projects”.

She further addressed challenges to regional peace and stability, noting peace was “fundamental for progress”. 

Unfortunately, Georgia remains a country with two regions occupied by Russia, which significantly heightens our security challenges. Moreover, the unfolding events in the broader region pose additional security risks. However, what stands out in the relationship between Georgia and Azerbaijan is mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which forms the foundation of our partnership”, the official said. 

Reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to regional stability, she also said her Government would “always promote neighbourly relations and peace, which are essential for unlocking the region's economic potential”. 

Strengthening ties with our partners will allow us to better represent our shared interests on the international stage”, the Minister added.

The FM also expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support and reiterated the importance of fostering strategic partnerships, saying “Georgia remains committed to furthering our friendship, intensifying cooperation, and advancing the prosperity of our region”.