“It is important to launch railway passenger service between Georgia and Azerbaijan, which, according to the minister’s assessment, will provide new stimulus to the economic relations between the two countries, including in the tourism sector,” Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, stated during a meeting in Baku with Minister of Digital Development and Transportation of Azerbaijan, Rashad Nabiyev.

“Georgia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners and friendly states. We attach great importance to accelerating the pace of cooperation development, including in the transport sector, which is a crucial direction for the economic relations between our two countries. The strategic location between the Black and Caspian Seas makes our countries significant players in the ongoing development of transport corridors connecting Europe and Asia,” Kvrivishvili declared.

The ministers of both countries discussed current and future issues within the framework of existing economic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, which is particularly important for further strengthening cooperation in the transport sector in bilateral and multilateral formats.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that freight transportation between the countries is increasing via both road and rail. The ministers emphasised the vital role of the Middle Corridor, its expanding significance, and ongoing development, in which both nations are actively engaged. The discussion also covered TRACECA, the Black Sea-Caspian Sea route, and other regional initiatives that enhance connectivity, boost trade relations, and strengthen economic cooperation across the region.

“Through modernisation of transport infrastructure and alignment of institutional and legal frameworks with international best practices, Georgia successfully strives toward integration into international transport markets and global supply chains, which further strengthens our country’s role in the global network of transit and logistics,” Mariam Kvrivishvili noted.

According to her, several projects of regional importance are being implemented in Georgia, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which has been actively implemented through joint efforts in recent years and is in its final stage, as well as the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, whose first phase construction is scheduled for completion in 2028-29, and Tbilisi’s new international airport, which should significantly contribute to Georgia’s formation as a transit-logistics hub.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing Kutaisi Technology Hub project, which will give Georgia the function of a regional attraction centre from a technological development perspective.

The Economy Minister also discussed with his Azerbaijani counterpart ways to enhance cooperation in communications, innovation, and information technology. They explored opportunities to deepen bilateral collaboration through joint initiatives and to showcase the region’s innovative ecosystem on the global stage.

The meeting in Baku with Rashad Nabiyev was also attended by Deputy Ministers Guram Guramishvili and Genadi Arveladze, as well as Mariam Kvrivishvili. Additionally, Georgia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zurab Pataradze, was present.