Georgian top officials due in Baku

By Azernews

By Kamila Aliyeva

Baku and Tbilisi are expected to discuss issues of mutual and regional importance as Georgian top officials plan to visit the neighboring country this week.

Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze will pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on February 12, AzerTag reported.

During the two-day visit, the Georgian FM will meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov and discuss prospects for development of the bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on the global and regional developments.

Before Janelidze, Baku will welcome Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani on February 10.

During the trip, the Georgian minister will meet with Azerbaijani counterpart Fikrat Mammadov and other officials.

The goal of the visit is to discuss prospects for cooperation between the ministries of justice and establish direct contacts. The sides are ready to exchange experience, as well as to take proper measures for the mutual support in international organizations.

Georgia and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations in 1992. The countries are actively cooperating in trade, transport, and energy spheres. The constantly developing relations have always based on friendship and brotherhood.

There is a great potential of expanding the cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan in energy, transport and trade sectors. Currently, the countries are involved in a number of regional projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, TAP, and TANAP Southern Gas Corridor.

Azerbaijan is fourth among the main trade partners of Georgia and the turnover between the two countries totaled $153 million in 2016.

Georgian exports to Azerbaijan include cement, locomotives and other railway vehicles, mineral and chemical fertilizers, mineral waters, strong drinks, glass and glass wares, and pharmaceuticals, among other things. Azerbaijani exports to Georgia include oil and petroleum products, natural gas, plastic wares, waste foodstuff, furniture, and building constructions.