The working visit by the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze to Azerbaijan on January 17 suggests that both countries recognise that close cooperation is essential for ensuring stability and fostering prosperity in the region. During the visit, Kobakhidze met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and participated in a session of the joint intergovernmental commission, which included delegations from both countries. The discussions revolved around the partnership between the two countries, bolstering trade and economic ties, as well as expanding cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have a long history of collaboration and these meetings may be seen as an expression of the willingness to continue to deepen their partnership based on shared interests. Such visits between are a defining feature of their relationship, emphasising the importance of dialogue in navigating today’s complex global challenges. The visit also underscored that strengthening neighbourly relations is a priority for for Georgia’s and Azerbaijan's foreign policies.
Several agreements were signed during the visit, including memorandums of cooperation in consular and transport matters. The leaders also visited a site in Baku designated for the construction of a new Georgian embassy. Kobakhidze also met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. In a joint press conference, Kobakhidze emphasised that Azerbaijan is one of Georgia's top five trade partners and expressed his commitment to furthering trade relations. "Azerbaijan and Georgia serve as a bridge connecting Europe with Asia, and we must fully capitalize on this potential," he stated.
Aliyev highlighted the significance of regional communication projects, particularly the Middle Corridor initiative. "This project spans a wide geography, with Georgia and Azerbaijan playing a crucial role in connecting Europe and Asia," he said. Aliyev also addressed energy cooperation, noting the success of joint oil and gas projects. "These initiatives contribute to the energy security of many countries. Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 11 countries via Georgia, and these volumes continue to grow," he added.
Economic ties between Azerbaijan and Georgia remain strong. Over the first 11 months of 2024, bilateral trade reached 730.22 million dollars, reflecting the depth of their economic relationship. Investment flows have also surged. Between January and September 2024, Georgian investments in Azerbaijan grew by 178.78 per cent, reaching 31.047 million dollars, an increase of 19.91 million dollars. Similarly, Azerbaijani investments in Georgia rose by 88.82 per cent to 95.75 million dollars. These numbers underscore the growing mutual commitment to economic collaboration and development.
Energy has long been a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-Georgia relations. Key projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, operational since 2006, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) gas pipeline, launched in 2007, have transformed the regional energy landscape. The BTC pipeline enables Azerbaijani oil to reach global markets via Turkey, generating transit revenues and infrastructure benefits for Georgia. Similarly, the BTE pipeline bolsters energy security for both Turkey and Georgia while strengthening regional integration. Together, these projects have solidified Azerbaijan’s position as a leading energy supplier and Georgia’s role as a critical transit hub, contributing to the stability of European energy markets.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, completed in 2017, has been a game-changer for regional connectivity. As a vital component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - the Middle Corridor, it reduces transit times between China and Europe, offering a faster, more efficient trade route.
Azerbaijan and Georgia are key players in the Middle Corridor, linking China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. The success of this route hinges on the close collaboration between the two countries, as it relies on their transportation networks and strategic locations. Georgia provides Azerbaijan with access to Black Sea ports, including Poti and Batumi, which are essential for moving goods to Europe. This partnership strengthens the transit potential of both nations, establishing them as vital hubs in the global logistics network.
The partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia presents significant opportunities for regional integration and economic resilience. By pursuing new investments and joint initiatives, the two countries can unlock even greater potential for cooperation.
