Azerbaijan, Georgia strengthen ties as key bridge between Europe and Asia

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a joint press conference on January 17, highlighting the vital role their countries play in regional connectivity, particularly through the Middle Corridor project.

President Aliyev emphasized the collaborative nature of the two nations' efforts, stating: “I am sure that the coordinated activities of our relevant institutions will successfully complete this project. Of course, we need to be in contact with many neighbors here, and we have these contacts. This is a project that covers a large geography, and again, Georgia and Azerbaijan are successfully playing the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia here,” Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Middle Corridor, which links the Caspian Sea region to Europe, is seen as a critical part of the global trade and transportation network. Azerbaijan and Georgia’s geographical locations and cooperative efforts position them as essential partners in enhancing connectivity between the continents.

President Aliyev further stressed the growing importance of the energy sector, noting that the two countries' joint projects extend beyond their borders: "The cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector holds special importance not only for our countries but also for a broader and larger geography."

He also highlighted the significance of energy exports, underscoring that Azerbaijan, through Georgia’s transit, currently exports natural gas to 11 countries, with exports increasing annually: "The oil and gas projects we are jointly implementing today form the basis of energy security for many countries."

Reflecting on the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations, President Aliyev remarked: "Our peoples have lived in an atmosphere of friendship, good-neighborliness, and brotherhood for centuries. These traditions continue to thrive today."

Moreover, President Aliyev expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, emphasizing: "Today, Georgia-Azerbaijan relations are progressing successfully in all areas. I believe that our political relations can serve as an example for all our neighbors."

By Vugar Khalilov