Armenia, Georgia emphasize historic opportunity for regional partnerships

The 15th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Armenia and Georgia was held in the Georgian town of Sighnaghi, co-chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Opening the session, Kobakhidze welcomed the Armenian government delegation and highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries, describing them as the foundation of their strategic partnership.

“These friendly and traditional ties are the basis of strategic relations between our countries,” the Georgian prime minister said, adding that the current level of cooperation provides opportunities to achieve significant success together and further strengthen bilateral relations.

Kobakhidze noted that Armenia is among Georgia’s top ten foreign trade partners and ranks among the top three countries in terms of visitors to Georgia. He also stressed the close cooperation between the two countries in education, culture and people-to-people contacts.

At the same time, he underscored the importance of maintaining peace in the region, welcoming what he described as positive developments in recent months. Kobakhidze referred to the “historic agreement” signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying it creates a good foundation for the development of the wider region. “This format of bilateral cooperation is extremely important for discussing relations in various sectors,” Kobakhidze said, thanking Pashinyan for his contribution to the development of Armenian-Georgian relations.

Pashinyan, in turn, thanked the Georgian side for hosting the meeting and for Georgia’s continued support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Armenian prime minister also highlighted Georgia’s role in facilitating economic and trade links in the region. He noted that, for the first time since Armenia’s independence, trains have recently entered Armenia through Azerbaijan and Georgia, expressing hope that exports from Armenia will soon also be transported by rail.

According to Pashinyan, the region currently faces a complex international environment, but new opportunities are also emerging. “We must pay greater attention to the opportunities opening up for our region,” he said, stressing the importance of regional approaches to challenges, risks and development strategies. Pashinyan also referred to the concept of “regionalization,” introduced in Armenia’s government program in 2021, which emphasizes strengthening regional cooperation.

In this context, he said relations with Georgia are of particular importance. He also highlighted efforts in recent years, with Georgia’s support, to deepen trilateral regional cooperation between Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The Armenian prime minister expressed hope that the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan would contribute to improving the atmosphere in the region and reiterated Armenia’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. During the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation and future projects in areas including economy, energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism.

The participants also exchanged views on initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation. Pashinyan briefed the Georgian side on progress in implementing the TRIPP project.