Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia started his visit to Azerbaijan with an interface meeting hosted by President Aliyev at Zagulba Palace.

High level of strategic partnership existing between the two countries was highlighted at the meeting along with an active political dialogue and intensive cooperation towards trade and economy. Ilham Aliyev thanked Irakli Garibashvili for taking part in the Intergovernmental Council on Economic Cooperation in Baku, thereby noting that Azerbaijan as a friendly nation is happy for the success the Government of Georgia achieved in every field.

“It is a great joy to host you in our country. It is your second visit this year. We have had several important meetings, discussing a number of issues related to our bilateral relations. Today we are continuing our political dialogue between the two brotherly nations, which is always very active.

We are cooperating rather closely on foreign policy matters in our region. New challenges have emerged, along with new opportunities. Our relations are not only beneficial for our nations, but for the entire region as well.

I have reviewed the statistics and noticed that we have made significant progress in terms of economy and trade volumes. Today we shall hold an Intergovernmental Commission Meeting, which will discuss the current situation and plan steps ahead. It is very promising that Georgia has a positive investment environment and economic reforms, which have addressed a number of social and economic problems.

Congratulations! And as a friendly nation, we take great joy in the success stories of your government in every field. I wish you success personally to you and your government.

Today we are also considering the traditional directions of our cooperation: natural air and oil transportation, as well as implementing projects that are already bringing benefits to us. Through them Azerbaijan and Georgia have developed an outstanding form of cooperation, as these projects are significant not only for our countries, but for many other states of the Eurasian region.

I am confident that your visit today will give a new impetus to our cooperation. Thank you for agreeing to my invitation and once again welcome to Azerbaijan!”, - said Ilham Aliyev.

The Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for a warm welcome and hospitality.

Irakli Garibashvili noted that Georgia is keenly interested in strengthening bilateral political, economic, cultural and other types of links with Azerbaijan, along with ensuring peace and stability in the region to ensure economic development.

“It is a great joy to visit Baku. Thank you once again for your warm welcome and hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity for discussing our exemplary bilateral relations. As you already noted, we are friendly, brotherly nations.

We will be holding the 8th Meeting of an Intergovernmental Economic Council to discuss our bilateral relations, which are actively advancing even today. Georgia is indeed interested in strengthening our bilateral political, economic, cultural and other types of connections. Our best interests also include peace and stability in the region, which paves the way to a solid economic development.

This is my second visit this year and as Mr. President has noted, we have had conversations over the phone a number of times. Today we are discussing topics related to our future plans. I am confident that this meeting will also be very productive”, - added Irakli Garibashvili.