Azerbaijan and Georgia Deepen Strategic Partnership, Highlight Regional Peace and Connectivity Agenda

Tbilisi, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze delivered joint press statements following high-level talks held in Tbilisi on April 6, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations and their shared vision for regional cooperation.

Speaking first, Prime Minister Kobakhidze warmly welcomed President Aliyev, describing his visit as a significant honor and a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Georgia share centuries-old ties based on good neighborliness and historical friendship, which today underpin a robust strategic partnership.

The Georgian Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reaffirming that Georgia reciprocates this stance. He noted that discussions covered not only bilateral cooperation but also broader regional developments, particularly the evolving dynamics of the South Caucasus.

Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia’s support for ongoing peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stressing the importance of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and regional cooperation. He also underscored the growing strategic relevance of the South Caucasus and the Middle Corridor amid shifting global geopolitics, noting that both countries play a pivotal role as a bridge between Asia and Europe.

He further pointed to the importance of expanding transport and logistics infrastructure, as well as deepening trade and economic ties. Azerbaijan remains one of Georgia’s key trading partners, with both sides expressing readiness to enhance investment and maintain high-level engagement across various sectors.

In his remarks, President Aliyev thanked the Georgian leadership for their hospitality and reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries. He noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia consistently support each other in international forums, particularly on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting economic cooperation, President Aliyev revealed that bilateral trade exceeded $800 million last year, with prospects of reaching $1 billion if current growth trends continue. He also noted that Azerbaijan has invested approximately $3.7 billion in Georgia’s economy, reflecting a highly favorable investment climate.

The Azerbaijani President underscored the strategic importance of joint energy and transport projects, including the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, which play a critical role in ensuring regional and global energy security. He emphasized that Georgia serves as a vital transit route for Azerbaijani energy exports to international markets.

Both leaders also discussed regional security and the emerging opportunities in the South Caucasus, expressing optimism that the region is transitioning into a space of peace, stability, and cooperation. President Aliyev commended Georgia’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue and regional connectivity.

Concluding their statements, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Azerbaijan–Georgia strategic partnership, advancing joint projects, and promoting prosperity and stability across the region.