Georgian PM: Georgia maintains close strategic ties with Azerbaijan

In his annual address to the legislative body on Friday, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia continues to maintain a close, strategic relationship with Azerbaijan through numerous joint projects. Furthermore, he noted that the agreement securing low-cost natural gas has been extended under mutually beneficial terms, despite prior speculation regarding its future.

Kobakhidze noted that Georgia has two main sources of natural gas imports - Azerbaijan and Russia - with Azerbaijan remaining the country's primary supplier under agreements that guarantee both supply volumes and favourable pricing.

“These agreements provide guarantees regarding supply volumes and, importantly, guarantees concerning prices. Claims that Gazprom’s share increased by 40% were incorrect. I can say with complete confidence that its share has not increased by even one-third of that figure”, he said.

“As for what we signed with Azerbaijan - whether it is a new agreement or an extension - I believe the question referred to the agreement on low-cost gas. Formally, it is a new agreement, but in reality it is a continuation of the 20-year agreement previously concluded, and it has been extended on substantially similar terms”, the PM continued.

Kobkahidze further highlighted that there was considerable speculation surrounding this agreement.

“Some even threatened that it would be difficult for us to secure its extension. However, in reality, the agreement was extended on appropriate terms. I would once again like to thank both the Ministry of Economy and our Azerbaijani friends for this”, he added.

“These agreements do not imply any concession of Georgia's transport potential under any circumstances. We cooperate very closely with Azerbaijan and are linked through numerous strategic projects, including with Türkiye, and this cooperation will continue in the future”, Kobakhidze concluded.