Expert: Mutual support enhance long-term cooperation for Georgia and Azerbaijan Caliber.Az from Tbilisi

Caliber.Az presents an interview with Prof. Kakha Kvashilava, Doctor of History (Georgia). 

- The Georgian Foreign Minister is visiting Azerbaijan. In this regard, we would like to know your assessment of the level of Azerbaijani-Georgian relations.

After gaining independence in 1991, Georgia and Azerbaijan have been maintaining friendly and strategic relations - that is how we can define the level of our relations.

If we did not have each other, our countries would go on another, not very positive way of development. Mutual support provides Georgia and Azerbaijan with long-term cooperation. Moreover, there have never been serious problems between Baku and Tbilisi, and this is very important. Not all countries in the post-Soviet space have such a trust-based relationship. 

- What can you say about the foreign policy course of official Tbilisi? What is Georgia doing to restore its territorial integrity?

The current government's foreign policy stance remains focused on the peaceful resolution of conflicts on the territory of Georgia. As you know, for many years Georgia has been subjected to aggression from Russia, starting with 1989, when the Kremlin provoked the beginning of the conflict with Abkhazia.

All the governments of Georgia from 1993 up to the present day are pursuing a policy of peaceful return of the occupied territories. We must show both Ossetians and Abkhazians that they have no other way than to unite with Georgians for their future, for the development of the nation. Under the Soviet regime, Abkhazians and Ossetians had every opportunity in Georgia, both culturally and politically. Russia used the reactionary forces of the Ossetians and Abkhazians and pitted them against Georgians.

We must live together, there is no other way. No one is saying that Abkhazians and Ossetians must leave these territories. Only four states have recognized these separatist entities and those with very doubtful reputations. Russian troops numbering 20 thousand people are deployed in Abkhazia. Purposeful Russification is underway there, Russia is trying to settle Russian troops, and the Abkhazians have to notice it.

If Abkhazians and Ossetians want to save their nations, they must live with Georgia and coexist peacefully in one state.

- The war against the Ossetians and the Abkhazians was very violent. You say that all three people must live together. Will Georgians be able to forgive the Abkhazians and Ossetians for that cruelty?

The other day Tbilisi hosted a presentation of the Georgian magazine, which since 1975 was published in Sukhumi, and then was published in Tbilisi. A folklore group "Gumbati", which alternately performed Abkhazian songs with Georgian folklore, was invited there. Sukhumi State University has a department of Abkhazology, where they teach the Abkhazian language and literature, in Georgia, they also broadcast programs in Abkhazian and Ossetian languages on public television channels.

In addition, we respect all nationalities living in Georgia and try to treat everyone as equals. We extend our hand to both Ossetians and Abkhazians, the main thing is not to let this hand hang in the air.

- What is the level of current Georgian-Ukrainian relations?

After the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, Georgia immediately announced humanitarian aid to Kyiv. More than 100 tons of supplies were collected throughout Georgia. In eastern Georgia alone, about 80 tons of supplies were mobilized and sent by road. Both government officials, the private sector and the population are actively involved. This process will continue as long as our Ukrainian friends need help.

In addition to food and clothing, medicines have been collected in the regions. As part of the humanitarian mission in Poti, the process of sorting products is underway. Trucks are being loaded in the port city with aid sent from Western Georgia.

In addition, we started receiving Ukrainian citizens not from February 24, 2022, but from the time when parts of Donetsk and Luhansk were occupied. They enjoy benefits, they have free travel across the country, they have a simplified registration procedure, and benefits in education. 

The fact that there was a certain cooling between Kyiv and Tbilisi, I think it was a kind of an understatement. Georgian parliamentarians headed by the speaker visited Ukraine, the parties came to an agreement and all the tensions were eliminated, so the problem is completely over.

- Should Georgia expect pressure from Russia in the light of recent events in the post-Soviet space?

This should be considered not only now but since the very beginning of the conflict in Abkhazia and Ossetia. Everything is going towards it. So we are trying to negotiate with Abkhazians and Ossetians to prevent that.

Russia has one goal - to strengthen itself on the territory of the South Caucasus, to break our good-neighborly and friendly relations. However, after Russia's defeat in the war with Ukraine and as a result of the pressure of sanctions, Moscow will weaken and will no longer be able to harm anyone. 

- What is your assessment of Baku's resolution of the Karabakh conflict?

Only positively. We Georgians have always said that Karabakh is Azerbaijan, we have always supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The events that took place in Karabakh in the autumn of 2020, encouraged us as well. I hope that we too will soon be able to regain our lost territories through peaceful negotiations. I don't like the notion of "territorial integrity", for that concept is established by empires, I prefer the expression "our ancestral territories".

The fact that Baku has achieved such a brilliant victory is the merit of both Heydar Aliyev and Ilham Aliyev, who for many years has been moving purposefully toward his goal. The merit of the Azerbaijani people is great. Baku could have reached an agreement with Armenia to resolve the conflict peacefully, but certain external forces and especially Russia have always prevented this. In addition to a developed army and economy, Baku was helped by Turkey's significant support. After that Russia could not interfere anymore. I very much hope to visit Shusha soon and see with my own eyes the pearl of Karabakh.

- Has Georgia become closer to NATO and the EU?

No one knows what will happen tomorrow. Georgia does not have as rich economic resources as Azerbaijan, so Georgia's positive economic development depends on EU accession.

As for NATO, we see it as a shield from the aggression of Russia. Maybe NATO will reform itself into another organization after the Ukrainian events.

- What are your forecasts regarding the near future of our region?

Only one country stirring up trouble in the Caucasus, and that's Russia. It acts on the principle of "divide and rule", pitting Armenians against Azerbaijanis, Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians. Our countries are meant to live in peace and friendship. Georgian-Azerbaijani relations should become an example for all countries.