Baku, January 17, 2025 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, held a meeting with his Georgian counterpart, Maka Botchorishvili, on Thursday to discuss various aspects of the Azerbaijan-Georgia strategic partnership and regional issues of mutual interest.
The meeting commenced with one-on-one discussions between the two foreign ministers, followed by an expanded session involving delegations from both countries.
Minister Bayramov congratulated Minister Botchorishvili on Georgia’s successful parliamentary elections in October last year, the formation of the new government, and her recent appointment as Foreign Minister.
The discussions covered political, security, economic, and humanitarian dimensions of bilateral relations, with both ministers commending the robust strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia. They highlighted the importance of the high-level political dialogue that has solidified ties between the two nations.
Both ministers underscored the value of close collaboration between state institutions, reciprocal visits, and pragmatic intergovernmental and interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. They also acknowledged the mutual benefits derived from cooperation in international and regional formats.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The ministers highlighted the significant role of large-scale projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and the Southern Gas Corridor, in fostering economic development and regional stability.
Discussions also touched on ongoing projects in green energy and communication, emphasizing their importance for the future of bilateral and regional cooperation.
Both sides welcomed the upcoming 10th anniversary meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Baku on January 17, as a crucial platform for advancing economic and trade relations.
Enhancing Humanitarian and Cultural Ties
The meeting further addressed the importance of strengthening humanitarian ties, including collaborations in tourism, education, science, and culture. The ministers reiterated their commitment to fostering people-to-people exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.
Regional Peace and Stability
Minister Bayramov briefed his Georgian counterpart on Azerbaijan’s efforts to normalize relations with Armenia and achieve a final peace treaty. He expressed concerns about Armenia’s territorial claims, its military buildup, and revanchist tendencies, noting their adverse impact on the peace process.
Joint Press Statements
Concluding the meeting, both ministers delivered press statements, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Azerbaijan-Georgia relations and advancing shared regional goals.
The meeting reinforced the enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, emphasizing their shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
