One-on-one meeting with Aliyev

On April 7, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, in Gabala.

During the conversation, they emphasized the importance of energy and infrastructure projects implemented jointly by Azerbaijan and Georgia. In this regard, the sides noted that the energy projects implemented jointly by the two countries play a significant role in Europe's energy security, and the demand for these energy resources has increased. The importance of the implementation of road infrastructure projects was also stressed. In this regard, the joint activity toward expanding the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project and increasing its capabilities was emphasized. They noted the important role of Azerbaijan and Georgia in the Middle Corridor. They stressed the significance of joint efforts in this regard.

The increasing trade turnover between the two countries and additional measures taken in this direction was noted, and the successful operation of Azerbaijan’s SOCAR company in Georgia was underlined at the meeting.

During the conversation, they highlighted the importance of the agreement on a strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, including the laying of the submarine cable under the Black Sea as well as the Azerbaijan-Georgia cooperation with other partners in this direction.

President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili also discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia in the humanitarian, cultural, educational, defense industry, military, security, agricultural and other spheres.

Press statements

On the same day, Ilham Aliyev and Irakli Garibashvili made press statements in Gabala.

Ilham Aliyev stated, "Georgia and Azerbaijan have been in close contact for many years. We are friends and allies, and brotherly ties bind our people. All issues discussed have one goal – to deepen bilateral cooperation and take all necessary steps for the future of our peoples."

Regarding energy issues, he added: "Of course, Georgia and Azerbaijan are countries that play an essential role in European energy security today, and this role is gradually growing. Of course, our friendly relations and cooperation in this field significantly contribute to Europe's energy security. The export of Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe is increasing by the year. This year, Azerbaijan will export 24.5 billion cubic meters of gas to world markets, increasing yearly." Aliyev stressed, "According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the European Union last year, we must ensure the transportation of 20 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe alone by 2027, and I am sure we will reach this figure."

About relations with Central Asian countries, Aliyev emphasized: "I visited the countries of Central Asia many times last year and this year, and I will visit more countries this year. Therefore, there are ample opportunities for transporting new goods along the Middle Corridor. All administrative issues should be resolved, and the tariff policy should be resolved from a single perspective. At the same time, joint effort should be made to attract and transport cargo. Of course, this issue has been and will be extensively discussed today."

Irakli Garibashvili stated, "It is known that Georgia is also a reliable transit country and transit partner. As mentioned by Mr. President, we continue this activity and do not stop. As you may know, we will lay an electric cable under the Black Sea. We are developing the issue of the Middle Corridor. We have a vast potential to transport green energy to Europe, which has excellent prospects. This is the future. Both countries will invest more in this area. We have discussed that too."

Regarding the Middle Corridor project, he added: "We are working together on the Middle Corridor project in a coordinated manner. Our goal shortly is to remove all obstacles and jointly develop the infrastructure – our seaports and railways. As you know, we are working on constructing a new port in Georgia. In a year, we will implement the railway expansion project. The operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be expanded, and we will be able to attract more cargo through the Middle Corridor."

Read also: Garibashvili and Aliyev meet in Baku