Pashinyan and Kobakhidze Reaffirm Commitment to Armenia-Georgia Cooperation

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the relationship between their two countries during a joint press conference in Tbilisi. Both leaders spoke about the progress made in their ongoing cooperation, which now includes efforts to resolve border issues and contribute to regional peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

In recent years, Armenia and Georgia have increased their collaboration across multiple sectors, elevating their partnership to a strategic level. Pashinyan said that in January 2024, the two nations officially upgraded their cooperation to a strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. This partnership is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to democratic principles.

"We have developed a system of effective and regular contact based on mutual interests and the democratic values that unite our two peoples," Pashinyan said. "The respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is key to ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus."

One of the central topics discussed was the ongoing process of border delimitation between Armenia and its neighbors, including Georgia and Azerbaijan. Pashinyan expressed optimism about the progress made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan border negotiations, which are based on the Almaty Declaration of 1991. This declaration outlines the administrative borders of former Soviet republics as the foundation for current border agreements.

"We have achieved significant progress with Azerbaijan and expect similar practical progress in our border delimitation process with Georgia," Pashinyan said. He added that both Armenia and Georgia are working towards a shared understanding of the border issue, which could pave the way for lasting stability in the region.

Pashinyan also addressed the broader regional context, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. He revealed that around 80% of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been agreed upon after nearly two years of negotiations. Armenia has proposed that Azerbaijan sign the agreed-upon sections of the draft treaty as a first step toward normalizing relations and establishing diplomatic ties.

"This is a historic opportunity to close the chapter of conflict in the South Caucasus and establish lasting peace," Pashinyan declared. He emphasized that peace would benefit not only Armenia and Azerbaijan but also neighboring countries like Georgia, Turkey, and Iran.

The Armenian PM also stressed the importance of reopening economic routes and infrastructure in the region, which he believes will lead to greater stability and development. Pashinyan pointed to the Crossroads of Peace project, a regional initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Europe and Asia through Armenia.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his country's strong support for peace in the South Caucasus, noting that Georgia is committed to helping resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

"We welcome the positive progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks and are ready to contribute to regional stability," Kobakhidze said.

He also spoke about the deepening of ties between Georgia and Armenia, which he believes will build closer cooperation in the future. "I am very happy that strategic cooperation has been established between our two nations. This partnership will help deepen our relations in all areas," Kobakhidze added.

Kobakhidze expressed his gratitude to Armenia for supporting Georgia at the United Nations on matters related to the return of displaced persons from Abkhazia, a move that he said would further strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the region. The strategic partnership between Armenia and Georgia is a reflection of their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus, where mutual respect and cooperation form the foundation of interstate relations.