Georgian President: Georgia, Azerbaijan united for shared values, regional progress

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, on Wednesday expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, emphasising the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.

In his remarks at a joint press conference with Aliyev, Kavelashvili highlighted discussions on bilateral relations, regional challenges in the South Caucasus region, and global developments.

Highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, Kavelashvili stated that Georgia and Azerbaijan were sharing a unique friendship that “provides a solid foundation for further enhancing bilateral cooperation”.

Kavelashvili underscored the importance of preserving national identities, traditions, culture, and mutual respect for national interests.

“Our friendship is based on mutual respect and consideration of each other's national interests. We understand the importance of trust in our relationship and value our word. We have a set of unwritten laws and values that have preserved us and brought us to this day. This is why Georgian-Azerbaijani friendship and strategic partnership are so special and exemplary”, the President said.

He stressed the necessity of ensuring long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus to enhance the region's competitiveness and reliability.

“Georgian and Azerbaijani people stand together and will continue to do so in the fight to protect the values ​​that are vital to our nations. I am deeply convinced that the time-tested high-level strategic and good-neighborly relations will be further strengthened and will acquire a new dimension in order to pursue the national interests of Georgia and Azerbaijan. In order to effectively address the challenges in the region and the world, close cooperation between our countries in all directions is especially important. We are implementing a number of common, mutually beneficial projects, which makes our region even more attractive to the whole world. In order for the South Caucasus region to be even more competitive, reliable and promising, it is important to ensure lasting peace and stability”, he continued.

Kavelashvili further welcomed the recent progress in negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing hope for a historic peace agreement.

“This is undoubtedly a step forward in showcasing and utilizing the region's potential and opportunities. We hope that a historic agreement will be signed in the near future, which will be a crucial impetus for ensuring long-term and sustainable peace in the region”, the President said.

Furthermore, he addressed external interference in the internal affairs of both countries.

“Unfortunately, in recent times, our countries have repeatedly been the targets of double standards and interference in internal affairs by external forces. Despite numerous attempts, we are firmly addressing these threats and ensuring the region's security and stability. No third country or organization can know better than us what is best for our people”, he asserted.

President Kavelashvili expressed optimism for the continued development of Georgian-Azerbaijani cooperation.

“I am pleased that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia to protect our common interests has intensified. We must fully utilize the region's potential and serve as a strong, reliable connecting bridge on the global geopolitical map. I am confident that our relations will develop at an even faster pace for the benefit of our countries and nations”, he concluded.