Azerbaijani PM: developing relations with Georgia among key foreign policy priorities

Developing relations with Georgia is one of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said on Friday at the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

In his address, Asadov highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations in recent years, noting that the strategic partnership between the two countries had entered a qualitatively new stage.

“Developing relations with Georgia is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. The Azerbaijani and Georgian peoples have lived side by side for centuries in a spirit of brotherhood and friendship. Over the past few years, the strategic partnership between our two countries has reached a qualitatively new stage. The dynamics of high-level political dialogue play a very important role in deepening our cooperation. In this regard, the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Georgia in April, as well as your visit to Azerbaijan in May, are particularly noteworthy”, the Prime Minister said.

“These visits and the agreements signed have once again reaffirmed the strategic nature of our relations and contributed to strengthening cooperation across various fields. Within the framework of international organisations, we consistently support one another, particularly on issues concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty”, he added.

Asadov also emphasised the positive momentum in trade and economic relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

“Trade and economic relations are developing at a very positive pace and continue to expand. Georgia is a key trade partner for Azerbaijan. During the first nine months of this year, bilateral trade turnover increased by more than 40%, reaching $1 billion compared to the same period last year”, he noted.

He further highlighted growing investment cooperation, noting that Azerbaijan had invested approximately $4 billion in Georgia.

“Cooperation in the investment sector is also demonstrating a very positive trend. Azerbaijan has invested approximately $4 billion in Georgia. The major joint projects we have implemented, including the Southern Gas Corridor, play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security both in the region and across Europe”, Asadov concluded.