Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday hosted Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev and the accompanying delegation at the Business Center, discussing close partnership in the energy sector and transport and energy projects that Georgia and Azerbaijan jointly implement.

Ivanishvili thanked president Ilham Aliyev for his productive visit to Georgia and noted that the friendly relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan are at their highest level, bringing benefits to both countries.

The honorary chair of the Georgian Dream party emphasised the importance of deep and comprehensive economic cooperation between the two nations and highlighted the potential for maximising the use of the transit corridor. He stated that close partnership equally serves the national interests of both Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Ivanishvili also expressed gratitude to president Aliyev for supporting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. He underlined that in a challenging security environment, it is vital for the political leadership of both countries to make every effort to maintain peace and economic development.

The meeting also addressed close cooperation in the energy sector and joint transport and energy projects implemented by Georgia and Azerbaijan. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was highlighted as playing a key role in strengthening regional connectivity. Ivanishvili noted that Georgia remains open to Azerbaijani investments, which have continued to grow actively in recent years.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked Bidzina Ivanishvili for the warm hospitality. He stated that Georgia is one of the most attractive, stable, and interesting destinations for investment. The Azerbaijani President also emphasised bilateral projects, the importance of the energy corridor, and Georgia’s active involvement in the export of Azerbaijani natural resources. Aliyev reaffirmed readiness to continue joint efforts to preserve peace and stability in the region.