2024-03-16
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan:
"Prime Minister, first and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and extend a warm welcome to Azerbaijan. It brings me immense joy that you chose to visit Azerbaijan promptly after assuming the role of Prime Minister, and for that, I express my gratitude. Your appointment to the position of Prime Minister is a significant occasion for us, and we highly value this visit.
During a face-to-face meeting, we - leaders from two sovereign nations - engaged in discussions covering a wide array of topics. Our countries share a profound friendship, akin to that of brothers, rooted in the amicable and benevolent relations between our people. This enduring bond has served as the bedrock for the robust relationship between our states. Presently, both Georgia and Azerbaijan are not only achieving economic independence through collaborative efforts but are also emerging as pivotal nations within the region and across the broader Euro-Asian continent.
We are actively undertaking joint initiatives in various sectors including infrastructure, transportation and energy, which hold significant importance for numerous countries. Particularly noteworthy is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, symbolizing one of our most noteworthy achievements. Over the past months, we have increased its capacity from 1 to 5 billion tons, with its completion slated in two months. The operationalization of this railway promises to foster connectivity among numerous nations.
Furthermore, we are set to commence discussions with Southern natural gas advisory groups this month, with Georgia actively participating in this process at a high level. It's evident to all involved that Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey serve as the driving forces behind these projects, crucial for the transportation of natural gas to Azerbaijan through Georgia. Currently, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to eight countries, with plans for further expansion. We understand the intricate dynamics of the international energy market and anticipate a growing demand for Azerbaijani natural gas, particularly in Europe. With abundant resources, financial capabilities and reliable allies like Georgia, we are poised to offer dependable energy resources to many nations in the years ahead.
Certainly, we are actively pursuing new endeavors, particularly in the realm of green energy projects, where Georgia and Azerbaijan, alongside other nations, are engaged in ambitious initiatives. Just as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum southern natural gas pipelines and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway exemplify successful ventures, we anticipate similar triumphs in the energy sector moving forward.
These endeavors will serve as exemplary models for numerous countries, showcasing our collective success. Together, Azerbaijan and Georgia possess abundant renewable energy resources. Currently, we are in the process of conducting feasibility studies, slated for completion by year-end. Following this, we will proceed with practical implementation, marking a significant step towards a promising and inevitable future.
The thoughtful reforms and stable environment prevailing in Georgia amid the current geopolitical challenges stand as invaluable assets. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Georgian counterparts for their commendable achievements. The significant increase in our trade turnover, reaching 900 million USD with a 15% rise, serves as tangible evidence of our flourishing partnership.
These reforms, meticulously designed to enhance the investment climate, are attracting considerable attention from investors, resulting in substantial investments totaling 4 billion USD. This is a testament to the exceptional investment environment fostered in Georgia.
Furthermore, I reiterate our unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and border protection. It's imperative to emphasize publicly once more that Azerbaijan stands firmly in support of Georgia in these crucial matters. Throughout the years, we have consistently voiced our support for each other in various international forums and will continue to do so.
It's paramount to uphold the principles of international law, ensuring that sovereignty and territorial integrity remain inviolable. Azerbaijan's own history of liberating occupied territories underscores the legitimacy of using force in self-defense to restore territorial integrity, as enshrined in the UN Charter. This right is universally applicable and must be upheld without discrimination.
The visit of the Prime Minister of Georgia to Azerbaijan holds immense significance. Welcoming the leader of a neighboring, friendly nation underscores the importance of fostering deeper ties. This visit serves as a catalyst for nurturing a strong friendship between our peoples, as our delegations have already forged bonds through years of collaborative work.
With your esteemed support, our two friendly and brotherly countries will advance together, resolving challenges hand in hand. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you, Mr. Prime Minister, to Azerbaijan. Together, let us embark on a journey of mutual progress and prosperity."
Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia:
"Let me greet and enormously thank you, Your Excellency, Mr. President! Let me also welcome you - ladies and gentlemen; and representatives of the media.
It is indeed a great honor for me to visit the Republic of Azerbaijan for the first time as Prime Minister. Making this visit promptly after assuming office holds significant importance for us, and I extend my sincere gratitude to President Aliyev for his warm hospitality. Once again, thank you for this gracious welcome.
You mentioned the centuries-old historical friendship between our countries and peoples, which serves as the solid foundation for our strategic partnership. I am confident that our relations will continue to flourish in this spirit in the future. Presently, we enjoy a high level of both political and economic cooperation, with notable positive dynamics.
Our priority is to uphold this momentum and further deepen the relations and cooperation between our nations. Maintaining this dynamic partnership is of utmost importance to us and we are committed to nurturing and strengthening it in the years ahead.
I would like to reiterate the significance of our political partnership. I extend my sincere gratitude to Azerbaijan and President Aliyev for the unwavering support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. This continued expression of support is truly cherished.
It is important to emphasize that Georgia has consistently stood as a steadfast supporter of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This mutual commitment underscores the strength of our relationship and our shared values of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our discussion was both pleasant and fruitful, covering a wide range of topics pertaining to the enhancement of bilateral relations between our nations. Additionally, we delved into global political dynamics and regional processes, recognizing the significance of partnership and cooperation between our two countries in these matters.
Peace and stability hold paramount importance, and our country has consistently prioritized efforts towards fostering them. Throughout our history, we have endeavored to make significant contributions to ensuring peace and stability in our region, a commitment we will steadfastly uphold in the future. Rest assured, we will continue our endeavors with this approach firmly in mind.
We have several crucial joint strategic projects that serve as economic anchors connecting our two nations. These encompass both large-scale, already executed mega-projects and significant plans for the future. Our discussions today have explored various initiatives that can be realized through collaborative endeavors, presenting promising opportunities for cooperation across multiple fronts.
Our trade and economic relations are exceptional, with Azerbaijan ranking among Georgia's top five trading partners in terms of volume. It is imperative that we continue to foster and expand upon this partnership. There is immense potential for further development in this aspect and we are committed to realizing it through concerted efforts.
The potential for cooperation in the fields of transport and energy, as highlighted by Mr. President, holds great promise. Sustaining our relationship at a high level is crucial and high-level visits and meetings serve as vital tools for deepening our partnership and cooperation. We are committed to exerting our best efforts in this regard.
I have officially extended an invitation to Mr. President to visit Georgia and we hope that His Excellency will be able to do so soon. Such a visit would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the further development of our relations.
It's worth emphasizing once again that while our partnership and relations are already exceptional, there is always room for growth and enhancement. We are dedicated to maximizing the potential for deepening the partnership, friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
Mr. President, I express my heartfelt gratitude once again for your warm welcome and the productive discussions we have had."