Georgian PM highlights regional peace and cooperation during visit to Azerbaijan

Irakli Kobakhidze, hosted in Azerbaijan as the Prime Minister of Georgia, emphasized the importance of peace and cooperation in the region and globally. Speaking at the 10th session of the Georgia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, Kobakhidze called for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.

“It is a great honor for me to be in Baku,” Kobakhidze said. “I am deeply convinced that today’s session will identify new opportunities for expanding cooperation between our countries to make the strategic partnership even more dynamic and fruitful. Through joint efforts, we will not only overcome challenges but also harness opportunities for more effective cooperation.”

Kobakhidze proposed a trilateral cooperation initiative involving all three South Caucasus nations, signaling Georgia’s commitment to fostering regional unity and collaboration across various sectors.
This marks Kobakhidze’s first official visit to Azerbaijan since the recent parliamentary elections, which saw his party, Georgian Dream, secure confidence in the legislature. However, the legitimacy of these elections has been contested by opposition parties, Georgia’s fifth President Salome Zourabichvili, and non-governmental organizations. Protests demanding new elections have erupted across Tbilisi and other regions.

Meanwhile, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov yesterday. The two discussed countering “foreign interference” and reinforcing bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Bayramov extended congratulations to Bochorishvili on the “successful elections” and her new ministerial role.