The 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Signagi, in Georgia’s Kakheti region, co-chaired by the countries’ Prime Ministers, Ali Asadov and Irakli Kobakhidze.
The meeting featured an exchange of views on the current state and prospects of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as ways to expand cooperation in trade and the economy, investment, energy, transport and transit, agriculture, culture, humanitarian affairs and other areas.
Addressing the meeting, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov emphasized the importance of dynamic high-level political dialogue in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
“The state visit to Georgia by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in April, as well as Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Azerbaijan in May as part of WUF13, were of great importance. These visits once again reaffirmed the strategic nature of our bilateral relations and contributed to further strengthening cooperation. The two countries have always supported each other in international organizations, particularly on issues related to territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Ali Asadov said.
The Prime Minister noted that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries continued to develop positively.
“Georgia is one of Azerbaijan’s key trading partners. In the first nine months of this year, trade between the two countries increased by 42 per cent, approaching $1 billion and exceeding last year’s figure,” he said.
Highlighting the successful development of investment cooperation, Asadov noted that Azerbaijan was one of the largest investors in Georgia’s economy.
He also pointed to the positive momentum in the implementation of joint investment projects, describing the opening of a new hotel in Tbilisi, built by an Azerbaijani investor, as a clear example of this cooperation.
“Joint energy projects between Azerbaijan and Georgia, particularly the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, play a crucial role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and diversifying energy supply routes,” the Azerbaijani Prime Minister emphasized.
Ali Asadov also highlighted the steady development of bilateral cooperation in the electricity sector.
“Following a major power outage in Georgia this July, Azerbaijan promptly provided support in response to a request from the Georgian side. Specifically, electricity exchanges between the two countries’ power systems have been significantly increased and remain at this higher level. Furthermore, as a successful outcome of our bilateral green energy cooperation, the two countries have launched a green energy corridor to Europe. This project will be crucial to ensuring Europe’s energy security,” he said.
“Transport and transit remain among the most important areas of our bilateral partnership. The two countries are working together to develop the Middle Corridor,” Ali Asadov noted.
The sides also discussed ways to facilitate border-crossing procedures as part of efforts to develop transport infrastructure.
They highlighted the importance of the project to open the Silk Road (Aghstafa)–Abreshumis Gza (Gardabani) checkpoint on the Azerbaijan–Georgia state border.
The parties expressed confidence that the document on the practical implementation of the project, scheduled to be signed at the meeting, would accelerate its progress.
The sides also noted the considerable potential for expanding cooperation in agriculture. They expressed confidence that bilateral documents to be signed at the meeting on plant quarantine and protection, as well as veterinary services, would help simplify relevant border-crossing procedures and increase mutual trade in agricultural products.
Environmental protection and the efficient use of water resources were also on the agenda. Underscoring the strategic importance of the Kura River Basin to both countries, the sides highlighted the need to strengthen joint efforts to protect transboundary water resources, prevent pollution and ensure their sustainable management.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was described as an important component of Azerbaijan–Georgia relations.
The sides emphasized the special role of cooperation in culture, education and humanitarian affairs in preserving and developing the longstanding ties of friendship between the two peoples.
The meeting also heard reports on key issues on the bilateral cooperation agenda.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two Prime Ministers signed the protocol of the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.
