President Kavelashvili accuses West of ‘double standards’ in first foreign visit to Azerbaijan

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday accused external powers of applying double standards and meddling in the internal affairs of Georgia and Azerbaijan, during his first official foreign visit since taking office.

“Unfortunately, recently our countries have repeatedly become objects of double standards and interference in internal affairs by external forces,” Kavelashvili said during a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Zagulba Presidential Palace.
Framing the visit as a “show of unity” between the two neighbours, Kavelashvili emphasized “shared values and a common stance” against foreign influence. “It is impossible for any third country or organization to know better than us what is best for our peoples,” he said. “The Georgian and Azerbaijani people stand together and will continue to stand together in the fight to protect the values that are vital to our nations.”

Kavelashvili praised the “long-standing friendship” and “sensible policy” that had shaped the Georgia-Azerbaijan relationship, envisioning a “successful, economically strong and prosperous South Caucasus region” built on traditional values rather than “imposed liberal” ones.

He also expressed support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, welcoming the conclusion of negotiations and voicing hope that a final agreement would be signed soon.

Kavelashvili, who assumed the presidency earlier this year, arrived in Baku on Tuesday and was received by Prime Minister Ali Asadov. His delegation includes Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, Georgian Dream MPs Savalan Mirzoev and Zaur Dargali, and international affairs advisor Luka Ekhvaia.