Georgian Minister of Economy Holds Meetings in Azerbaijan
Within the framework of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) 4th Ministerial meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the First Vice Premier, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Dimitry Kumsishvili, met his Azerbaijani counterpart, Shahin Mustafayev.
The main directions of economic cooperation between the two countries was discussed at the meeting, and it was noted that despite the significant trade turnover between the countries, the potential is very high and their economic relationship should be stepped up.
The Ministers also focused on bilateral trade since in 2017, when Azerbaijan became the fourth largest partner for Georgia, and the export indicator was increased by 78% compared to 2016.
Dimitry Kumsishvili and Shahin Mustafayev also talked about the signing of the agreement on recognition of the geographical names, and the necessity to call for Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.
Mutual cooperation in multilateral and regional formats was also discussed by both sides.
Georgia’s Vice-Premier also met the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov.
“Azerbaijan is Georgia’s strategic partner in terms of the energy field. We hope that existing relations will be more fruitful, and cooperation will be developed in new directions as well,” Kumsishvili stated.
Within the frames of the visit, Kumsishvili also met President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who noted that this cooperation opens wide opportunities, not only for Azerbaijan and Georgia, but also for many countries. The President stressed that the Southern Gas Corridor project is being successfully implemented, describing this as a sign of the two countries’ opportunities and partnership.
Kumsishvili said the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor created thousands of new jobs in the country and underlined the special role of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey in the regional projects.
By Thea Morrison
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