Georgia and Azerbaijan PMs co-chair Intergovernmental Economic Commission meeting in Baku

The 10th session of the Georgia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Economic Commission was held in Baku under the leadership of the Prime Ministers of Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The commission meeting, opened by Irakli Kobakhidze and Ali Asadov, discussed foreign policy dialogue, trade-economic cooperation, and collaboration in the transport sector.

The Georgian Prime Minister thanked his Azerbaijani counterpart for hosting the Georgian delegation and emphasized that the session would contribute to further expanding relations between the two countries.

“I would like to reaffirm once again that Georgia and Azerbaijan firmly support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and I want to thank you for this. Undoubtedly, in the context of rapidly changing and complex geopolitical circumstances in the region and the world, peace and stability are becoming even more important as key factors for regional development and sustainable prosperity.

I am confident that through joint efforts, we will not only overcome all challenges but also utilize existing opportunities for even more effective cooperation. We are sincerely interested in implementing concrete practical steps and facilitating regional cooperation.

Georgia offers a trilateral cooperation initiative that envisions the involvement of all three South Caucasus countries in various fields. In the context of regional cooperation, it is important to ensure the successful functioning of energy and transport routes, resolve existing conflicts, and promote regional security,” stated the Prime Minister.

Irakli Kobakhidze also highlighted that Azerbaijan has been one of Georgia’s top five trading partners in recent years.

“In this regard, Azerbaijan is one of Georgia’s most important strategic partners. Together, we are implementing crucial regional projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Southern Gas Corridor projects, the Middle Corridor project, and the Black Sea submarine cable project. It is essential to focus efforts on ensuring and promoting energy security and independence,” added Irakli Kobakhidze.

Ali Asadov congratulated Georgia’s Prime Minister on his party’s electoral victories and subsequent re-election. According to the Azerbaijani Prime Minister, Kobakhidze’s visit to Azerbaijan underscores the high level of relations between the two countries.

“2024 was a very significant year for both Azerbaijan and Georgia. For the first time in Azerbaijan’s history, presidential and parliamentary elections were held on the country’s sovereign territory. Georgia also held presidential and parliamentary elections. The outcomes in both countries reflected the will of the Azerbaijani and Georgian peoples. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you again on your reappointment and the formation of Georgia’s new government. I am confident that our governments will work constructively and closely together, contributing to the development and well-being of our people.

Strengthening relations with Georgia is a priority for Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. Our strategic partnership has advanced to a qualitatively new level, encompassing all important areas. We always stand by each other in challenging times, especially regarding territorial integrity. Our economic and trade cooperation has been vital. Georgia is one of Azerbaijan’s main trading partners,” stated Ali Asadov.

Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister emphasized that the megaprojects jointly implemented by Azerbaijan and Georgia exemplify successful regional cooperation.

“These projects are transforming the South Caucasus, altering the region’s energy and transport landscape. Notably, the Southern Corridor highlights our critical role in implementing this strategic initiative. Today, we are building a green energy bridge to Europe together. The Black Sea submarine energy cable project connects Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, playing an essential role in Europe’s energy security,” noted Ali Asadov.

Government members from both countries participated in the commission meeting.

Following the session, the Prime Ministers of Georgia and Azerbaijan signed the protocol for the 10th session of the Georgia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Economic Commission. Additionally, agreements were reached between sectoral agencies from the two nations.

A Protocol of Intent was signed between Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Memoranda were also established between Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport regarding cooperation in maritime transport, as well as between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries on consular cooperation.