Azerbaijani President highlights strong bilateral ties with Georgia

In a joint press conference held alongside Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday emphasised the high-level and regular political dialogue between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

He described the two nations as “brotherly and friendly countries” that maintain close relations and consistently support each other in international organisations.

“For centuries, our peoples have lived in an atmosphere of peace, good neighborliness, and brotherhood - and this tradition continues today. Relations between our states are also at a high level. Georgia and Azerbaijan jointly implement important projects, which are significant not only for our countries but for a wider geography. Naturally, our political ties are also developing. We enjoy high-level and regular contacts, political dialogue”, he said.

“As two brotherly and friendly countries, we are closely connected and always support each other in international organisations. We are united by projects that matter not only for us, but for the entire world - oil, gas, transport, and communication projects of great significance. These projects are shaping not only the South Caucasus but also the transport map of Eurasia”, Azerbaijani President continued.

Aliyev further added that speaking about Europe’s energy security today would be “unimaginable without Georgia”.

“Azerbaijan delivers its oil and gas to 12 countries through Georgian territory. We also have infrastructural projects in transport and communication - ports and roads - that are part of the Middle Corridor. If we speak of the Middle Corridor in the South Caucasus, it is a route passing through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and the volume of cargo transported across our territories is increasing. Peace in the South Caucasus is our shared goal and our joint project. Unfortunately, for decades the South Caucasus was a hotspot for conflicts. I hope all conflicts in the region will now come to an end”, he said.

Azerbaijani President further noted that Georgia-Azerbaijan relations would continue to strengthen and emphasised the importance of Mikheil Kavelashvili’s first presidential visit to Azerbaijan.

“I could speak at length about Georgia-Azerbaijan relations. I would just like to note that our ties will continue to deepen. Once again, I express my gratitude to Mr. President. I am confident that the Azerbaijani people greatly appreciate his decision. The first visit after an election carries symbolic importance, and we consider it significant that it was made to Azerbaijan. Georgia’s Prime Minister also paid his first post-election visit to Azerbaijan. We are grateful for that and wish you continued success”, Aliyev concluded.