Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as part of efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The government administration reported that the parties discussed the development of cooperation in various sectors, primarily economy and trade. Relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan are showing steady growth, and the intergovernmental economic commission plays a vital role in coordinating joint efforts.
Georgia confirmed its readiness to host the next meeting of the commission in the near future.
The leaders also discussed regional and global challenges and emphasized the importance of peace and stability for the development of the South Caucasus.
Following the meeting, the parties signed a series of agreements in the energy and transport sectors. These include:
- A 20-year intergovernmental agreement on the supply and transit of electricity between Georgia and Azerbaijan;
- A 20-year extension of the gas purchase and sale agreement, which has been in effect since 2003—a decision aimed at ensuring stable social gas supplies.
On the Georgian side, the documents were signed by Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development; on the Azerbaijani side, by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov.
Georgia and Azerbaijan also signed a protocol for a bilateral coordination council, which provides for the full commissioning of the new section of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway.
An agreement was reached to resume daily passenger rail service between Tbilisi and Baku starting May 26 this year, following a six-year hiatus.
The signing ceremony was attended by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.