Georgian PM Pays Visit to Azerbaijan
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze paid an official visit to Azerbaijan, where he met President Ilham Alyiev and other top officials.
During the meeting with the President, the sides discussed Georgia-Azerbaijan mutual relations and prospects of advancing cooperation.
"Georgia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. Our kind neighboring and friendly relations have been exemplary throughout centuries," stated Bakhtadze.
On his part, Alyiev noted that the relationship between the two independent states is based on a solid foundation as they jointly implement significant projects.
“Our shared initiatives carried out in the transport sector have a great importance throughout Europe and Asia. Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey are actively cooperating within the scope of all these projects. I believe that additional efforts need to be mobilized to increase the trade volumes. I know that Georgia has a very favorable investment climate. We are happy that Azerbaijan is the largest investor in Georgia,” the President of Azerbaijan said.
Bakhtadze noted Georgia and Azerbaijan have made great achievements in terms of regional projects in the sectors of transport, energy and many others, adding that trade volume with Azerbaijan has also been intensified.
“I am convinced that we can increase trade volume by 50-60% in two years through a mutual cooperation. In addition, it is gratifying that our cooperation in many other areas, including arts, culture and sport, is fruitful and exemplary. We are glad that Azerbaijani tourists and investors feel themselves comfortable in Georgia,” Bakhtadze said.
In addition, the Georgian PM also met his Azerbaijani counterpart Novruz Mammadov. The parties discussed the high level political, economic and cultural relations and various aspects of strategic partnership.
The face-to-face meeting was followed by negotiations at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan in an extended format, which involved the government members of both countries.
Discussions were related to projects of regional significance which are implemented jointly by Georgia and Azerbaijan. Large transport and energy projects were underlined, which will significantly contribute to the energy security of Europe upon their implementation.
Bakhtadze also met Ogtay Asadov, Chairman of Milli Mejlis in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan and Georgia play a crucial role in the energy security of Europe. We are implementing very important projects together, which include Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE), South Gas Corridor (SGC), Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) and Trans-Caspian Pipeline (TCP) Projects; Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway, which I hope will bring a huge benefit to our countries" stated the Chairman of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan.
According to Bakhtadze, Georgia attaches great importance and significance to the cooperation with Azerbaijan at the parliamentary, adding this cooperation is truly exemplary.
By Thea Morrison