Georgian Economy Minister: Georgia to allow free transit of Azerbaijani cargo to Armenia in historic decision by Georgian PM

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, on Friday said that Georgia would allow cargo travelling from Azerbaijan to Armenia to transit through its territory free of charge, describing it as a historic decision that strengthens regional cooperation, peace, and Georgia’s role as a key transit hub.

In her remarks, Kvrivishvili emphasised close cooperation between the two countries, particularly within the framework of the Middle Corridor project.

“We have very close, strategic, and friendly relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan. We are in constant contact with our colleagues, as we are connected through many sectors. I would particularly highlight our cooperation within the framework of the Middle Corridor project, where Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan operate according to a coordinated action plan and do everything possible to develop our infrastructure and increase capacity, so that our countries can continue to strengthen the Middle Corridor as one of the key transport routes”, she said.

The Minister rejected claims circulating in Azerbaijani media regarding high Georgian transit tariffs and highlighted the Georgian Government’s decision to facilitate free cargo transit as a gesture of goodwill and regional stability.

“Our relations are friendly and based on cooperation and mutual respect. The ties we have with every agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan are exemplary. As for this specific issue, the Prime Minister of Georgia has made a historic decision: within the framework of such an important project, Georgia will play a vital role, and we will allow the cargo travelling from Azerbaijan to Armenia to pass through free of charge. This is yet another demonstration of how our efforts are focused on goodwill, partnership, peace, and regional stability”, she noted.

She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a key partner in the energy and transport sectors and outlined ongoing negotiations on electricity and gas cooperation.

“In terms of electricity imports, Azerbaijan is a strategic and important partner for Georgia. On the other hand, we also cooperate in the area of gas imports, and we have ongoing negotiations extending through 2027. We are proceeding systematically, and I am confident that these negotiations will conclude positively, further strengthening ties between our two countries in this format as well”, the Minister said.

Kvrivishvili further explained that it was precisely this partnership and cooperation that led the Georgian Government to decide to allocate significant resources to the development of Georgian Railways.

“Approximately one billion GEL has been invested since 2012 to date to increase the capacity of Georgian Railways. Our goal is to further strengthen Georgia’s role as a transit country and to remain a competitive partner. That is why we have decided that over the coming years, around one billion GEL will be invested directly in Georgian Railways, which will support further development, including the expansion of the locomotive fleet”, she said.

“It should be noted that we have practically completed the railway modernisation project, within the framework of which the capacity of Georgian Railways has effectively doubled. In the near future, the entire region - Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia - will also celebrate the opening of the historic Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project, which will play a crucial role both for our country and for the region”, Kvrivishvili concluded.