Saakashvili says Azerbaijan is good example for Georgia and others

Azerbaijan, Baku, March 7 / Trend / Azerbaijan has always been a country with very good prospects, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said, making a statement for the press in Baku. Addressing the head of the Azerbaijani state, Saakashvili noted that under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev Azerbaijan today is not only a rapidly developing country, but also a leader in the region, a state known on a global level. "On the basis of its own interests, Azerbaijan is active in many international organizations. Today, Azerbaijan is already a member of the UN Security Council. Azerbaijan definitely plays a positive role in all matters. We feel Azerbaijan's assistance in every issue. This is what defines the power of relations between our countries. In essence, this is the cornerstone of stability and development in the region. It happens precisely on the basis of your work, your strong will, Azerbaijani people's will as well. Azerbaijan is a truly independent country, and can serve as an example for many countries in the region. Azerbaijan is a good example for us and for others. We should not take it as normal. We have seen other events in the region and we believe that it is from this point of view that Azerbaijan is a special exception," Saakashvili said. The President of Georgia said Azerbaijan attaches great importance to these relations. "We believe that we achieved solutions to all the issues and problems we faced, and achieved tangible results. I am always happy to meet my brother Ilham Aliyev. We consult on many issues. We are implementing a large-scale railway project. As part of this project Azerbaijan will invest $320 million. This will be our joint route that will not only transport cargo and passengers, but also connect us with Europe. Every year two million people from Azerbaijan will go by Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway through Georgia to Turkey. Thus, they will get access to Europe. As a result, Georgia's relations with Europe will become even wider, and Azerbaijan will contribute to this. From this perspective, our relations are an important factor in achieving the development goals we have set," he said. Saakashvili noted Georgia and Azerbaijan cooperate in the energy sector. "This is a many-sided cooperation, and it is already evident. Georgia is also developing rapidly. Basic guarantee of this development is in aid of fraternal Azerbaijan. This development is due to the assistance we receive from Azerbaijan. That is, the independence of Azerbaijan means Georgia's independence. We intend to create an electricity company. This company will export electricity to third countries. And that, ultimately, means that we will build new hydropower plants, and funds of Azerbaijan will be invested in many areas. This will open many new opportunities for us, our citizens living in Georgia. We intend to expand all these opportunities - opportunities of Georgia in the energy sector," he stressed. The Georgian President also noted that the parties have reached an agreement on the construction of the plant between Poti and Kulevi. "Its construction will begin this year. This is a project demonstrating our mutually beneficial cooperation. Azerbaijan invests in Georgia, and our companies carry out relevant work in our countries. For example, the largest company of Azerbaijan that is the State Oil Company (SOCAR), operates in Georgia, has already invested a lot and will expand its activities in the future. This activity is extremely important for the region and the region's population. We are very pleased that it goes beyond the region. Thus, Baku implements large infrastructure projects in the region. Improvement of roads - to the border of Georgia and from the Georgian border to other countries - is expanding our capabilities. Trunk road Baku-Tbilisi will be one of additional important means to strengthen our friendship," he said. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az