Georgian pundit: Armenia-Georgia rapprochement might be coordinated with Russia

Georgian political scientist Gela Vasadze has said that it is not excluded that Yerevan has coordinated rapprochement with Tbilisi with Moscow.

"As for the transfer of relations to the strategic level between Georgia and Armenia, the desire itself is good, but we would like to consider the real content of these relations. If we talk about mutual trade, strategic relations require harmonization of customs procedures, which is possible only in case of Armenia's withdrawal from the EAEU or Georgia's accession to the EAEU," Vasadze stated in an interview with Armenian media, Caliber.Az reports.

"As for transportation and logistics, it is worth noting that these relations already exist in terms of road transportation and Armenia's use of Georgian ports. Their further development depends on the opening of all communications in the region, when Armenia will be able to use the railway infrastructure for transit. Armenia's participation in regional energy projects is directly related to the regulation of relations with all neighbours. I hope that this will happen soon.

The perception of strategic partnership is related to the existence of strategic projects in which other countries are involved. Georgia started such projects with Azerbaijan and Türkiye in the late 1990s and formalized them through a system of relevant agreements. Until recently, the realization of such projects with Armenia was impossible. Let us hope that new opportunities will now be utilized.

We should also take into account the fact that Russia remains quite an influential player in the South Caucasus and has a serious influence in Armenia. In addition, the Russian Federation owns many basic infrastructural facilities in Armenia, such as railroad tracks and the energy sector.

In other words, Yerevan cannot ignore Moscow's position. At the same time, the real content of the strategic partnership between Georgia and Armenia can be beneficial for Russia, and I see no reason for special opposition from Moscow. By the way, I do not rule out that these issues have been previously agreed upon with the Russian Federation," the political scientist said.