At a briefing after a government meeting on February 12, Tea Tsulukiani, the Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia and the Minister of Culture and Sport, expressed concern over the silence of Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, who refrained from congratulating Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani President, on his victory, stating that it harms the state. Tsulukiani emphasized the region's increased geopolitical and security risks and stressed the importance of maintaining partnership relations with Azerbaijan.

Irakli Garibashvili also criticized President Zourabichvili's inaction, highlighting the strategic partnership and cooperation with Azerbaijan. Garibashvili emphasized the need for diplomatic etiquette in extending congratulations to Azerbaijan.

Subsequently, President Zurabishvili sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, expressing congratulations on his re-election and wishing him continued success in serving Azerbaijan. President Zourabichvili reiterated the commitment to strengthening the good-neighborly relations and strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan for regional stability and development.