11th Session of Azerbaijan-Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation Held

The 11th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia has been held in the city of Sighnaghi in Georgia's Kakheti region, co-chaired by Prime Ministers Ali Asadov and Irakli Kobakhidze.

Operativ Media reports that the meeting featured an exchange of views on the current state and development prospects of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as expanding cooperation in trade, economy, investment, energy, transport and transit, agriculture, culture, humanitarian, and other spheres.

Prime Minister Ali Asadov stated that high-level political dialogue and mutual visits play a decisive role in developing bilateral relations. In this regard, it was noted that agreements reached during the state visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Georgia in April this year, as well as the Georgian Prime Minister's visit to Azerbaijan in May, reaffirmed the strategic nature of cooperation between the two countries and gave additional impetus to expanding interaction across various fields.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia within international organizations, emphasizing their mutual support, particularly on issues of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation were highly praised. It was noted that Georgia is one of Azerbaijan's main trading partners. Trade turnover between the two countries increased by 42 percent in the first nine months of this year, surpassing last year's total figure and approaching $1 billion.

It was noted that cooperation in investment is also developing successfully, with Azerbaijan being one of the largest investors in the Georgian economy.

Highlighting the positive dynamics in joint investment projects, the opening of a new hotel project implemented in Tbilisi by an Azerbaijani investor was cited as a good example of this cooperation.

The energy sector was highlighted as one of the key pillars of the Azerbaijan-Georgia strategic partnership. Jointly executed large-scale energy projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, play a vital role in ensuring regional and European energy security.

Successful cooperation in the electric power sector was also emphasized. It was noted that Azerbaijan provided prompt assistance to Georgia upon request during an energy system crisis in July of this year.

Special attention was given to the prospects of cooperation in renewable energy. The importance of ongoing efforts to establish a green energy corridor to Europe with the joint participation of Azerbaijan and Georgia was emphasized.

Transport and transit cooperation was another key topic of discussion. The two countries were recognized as crucial partners in developing international transport corridors, with emphasis placed on joint efforts to boost the competitiveness and transit potential of the Middle Corridor.

Expanding border-crossing capabilities was discussed within the framework of transport infrastructure development. The importance of the project to create the "Silk Road (Aghstafa) – Abreshumis Gza (Gardabani)" joint border crossing checkpoint on the Azerbaijan-Georgia state border was emphasized. Confidence was expressed that the document scheduled for signing during the session on the practical implementation of the project would accelerate work.

It was emphasized that significant potential exists for cooperation in agriculture. Confidence was expressed that bilateral documents to be signed during the session in plant quarantine, plant protection, and veterinary medicine would simplify relevant control procedures and boost bilateral trade in agricultural products.

Environmental protection and the efficient use of water resources were also addressed. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Kura River basin for both nations, participants stressed the need to step up joint efforts to protect, prevent pollution of, and sustainably manage transboundary water resources.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was described as an essential component of Azerbaijan-Georgia relations. The special role of interaction in culture, education, and the humanitarian sphere in preserving and developing historical ties of friendship between the two peoples was underscored.

Delegation members delivered reports on the agenda items.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Ministers Ali Asadov and Irakli Kobakhidze signed the Protocol of the 11th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia.