Azerbaijani President: Georgia-Azerbaijan relations model of mutual trust, respect

Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev on Monday said that bilateral relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan could serve as an example for all neighbouring states, as they were based on mutual respect and mutual trust.

During a briefing held together with the Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Aliyev noted that Georgia was the first country on the international export route through which Azerbaijan exports energy to global markets.

“Regarding energy, for many years Azerbaijan has been a reliable contributor to energy security. Today, our natural gas is exported to 16 countries, but the export begins from Georgia and passes through Georgia. Georgia is the first country on this route where Azerbaijan carries out energy exports to international markets - all of this happens via Georgia. Oil and natural gas resources from the Caspian Sea, from Azerbaijan, also enter Georgia. We discussed the existing infrastructure. Over the past two decades, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor have been operating successfully”, he said.

Aliyev emphasised that this infrastructure was very important for many countries.

“We have also created, developed, and expanded transport corridors. The Middle Corridor passes through Azerbaijan and Georgia.For us, this is one of the most important arteries, and we place great hopes on its strengthening and development. Overall, our agenda is very large-scale, with new topics and projects being added. Through joint efforts, we will implement all of this”, he said.

“Our bilateral relations can serve as an example for all our neighboring states, as they are based on mutual respect and trust. We safeguard our shared interests and friendship - this is a good-neighborly and brotherly relationship. I am confident that we will continue on this successful path. I would like to wish the brotherly Georgian people peace, stability, and prosperity”, Aliyev concluded.