Azerbaijan, Georgia to discuss future energy cooperation

The parties intend to discuss the current energy projects and prospects of energy cooperation between the parties during a meeting of the Azerbaijani-Georgian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, to be held today in Baku, Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri said in Baku today.

"We will discuss current issues, including the gasification of Georgian villages today, because SOCAR deals with it. SOCAR invests in Georgian petrol stations. SOCAR also owns oil terminal in Kulevi. Gradually, the company is developing in Georgia. We have very friendly and partnership relations, and we will develop them in future, " Khetaguri said.

He said that views will be exchanged between the parties on SOCAR's investments in Georgia in a meeting of intergovernmental commission. Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri arrived in Baku to participate in the meeting of the Azerbaijani-Georgian intergovernmental commission. The commission co-chairman from the Azerbaijani side is Prime Minister Artur Rasizade.

The trade turnover between the countries amounted to 175.4 million in January-May 2010, reducing by 20.7% compared to the same period of last year. Import operations decreased by 18.4%, and export - by 20.9%.

The countries have the potential to expand the range of goods, promote cooperative ties in the sphere of small and medium entrepreneurship, attract investors to implement mutually beneficial projects and strengthen direct ties between economic entities. In this regard, possibilities of expanding trade between the countries will be also discussed.


/Trend/