Georgian, Azerbaijani PMs discuss increased trade, economic ties at Intergov’t Commission meeting

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ali Asadov on Friday engaged in discussions regarding increased collaboration in trade, economy, and the transport sector during the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between their countries.

The Georgian Government Administration said Kobakhidze thanked the Azerbaijani Government for hosting the Georgian delegation, underscoring the significance of the meeting in further strengthening bilateral relations.

Georgia and Azerbaijan firmly support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity [...] In today’s rapidly changing and complex geopolitical landscape, the importance of peace and stability has become even more crucial for regional development and sustainable prosperity. I believe through our united efforts, we can not only overcome challenges but also seize existing opportunities for more effective cooperation”, Kobakhidze said.

During the session, he introduced a tripartite cooperation initiative aiming to include all three South Caucasus countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia - in various sectors, stressing the importance of energy and transport route functionality and regional security.

The Prime Minister noted Azerbaijan had been among Georgia’s top five trade partners in recent years, asserting its status as “one of the most important strategic partners”.

We are collaboratively implementing several significant regional projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, the Baku–Tbilisi–Erzurum gas pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Southern Gas Corridor, the Middle Corridor project, and the Black Sea submarine cable project. It is essential to focus our efforts on ensuring and promoting energy security and independence”, he said.

Asadov congratulated Kobakhidze on his re-election following the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia. He noted 2024 was a “significant year” for both countries, marking the first presidential and parliamentary elections held on Azerbaijani sovereign territory.

Presidential and parliamentary elections were held in Georgia as well. The results of these elections in both countries reflect the will of the Azerbaijani and Georgian peoples. I am confident that our governments will continue to work together constructively, contributing to the development and prosperity of our nations”, he said.

Strengthening relations with Georgia is one of the priorities in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. Recently, our strategic partnership has reached a new level of cooperation that encompasses all important areas. We consistently support each other during challenging times. I would like to highlight our mutual backing regarding territorial integrity. Our economic and trade collaboration is always important. Georgia is one of the most important trading partners of Azerbaijan”, Asadov added.

The Azerbaijani PM also highlighted the importance of mega-projects jointly executed by the two nations, which he described as benchmarks of successful regional cooperation, particularly in transforming the South Caucasus's energy and transport landscape.

The projects mentioned contribute to transformation of the South Caucasus, resulting in a changed energy and transport map for the region. Special attention should be given to the Southern Corridor. Our countries play a crucial role in its implementation. Currently, we are building a green energy bridge in Europe. The Black Sea submarine cable project, which involves Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, is underway. This project is vital for enhancing Europe’s energy security”, he said.

Asadov emphasised the importance of joint efforts for the full operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. He said freight capacity through the route had been increased from one million to five million tonnes per year thanks to additional investments from Azerbaijan and efforts made by the Georgian Government.

Baku International Sea Trade Port, one of the largest trade ports on the Caspian Sea, serves as a vital link in the Middle Corridor. Currently, there are active efforts underway to increase the port’s shipping capacity from 15 million to 25 million tonnes per year. The ports of Poti and Batumi in Georgia are also crucial components of the Corridor”, he said.

We are pleased that today relevant agencies will be signing a memorandum of cooperation over the transport corridor. All of this strengthens the roles of Azerbaijan and Georgia as significant transit links in intercontinental trade”, the Azerbaijani PM added.

The Georgian Government Administration said several agreements had been reached between relevant sectoral agencies during the session. A protocol of intentions was signed between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, while the Ministry of Economy of Georgia and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan signed a memorandum on cooperation in maritime transport, and ministries of foreign affairs of the two states signed a memorandum on consular cooperation.