Baku: Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership. This development was announced during the visit of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to Azerbaijan, where he participated in the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the two nations signed a comprehensive set of agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in economics, energy, and connectivity. The signing ceremony took place in Baku, attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who emphasized the importance of these documents in expanding bilateral ties and strengthening their role as a regional connectivity hub.
The agreements include provisions for the supply of natural gas and electricity to Georgia and the transit of these resources to international markets, including through Turkey. The documents also confirmed the completion of modernization works on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, further enhancing regional connectivity.
State-owned energy companies from both countries have signed Heads of Terms to outline the commercial parameters of the agreements, set to be finalized by October 15. Additionally, an Operating Agreement Heads of Terms was signed between SOCAR, SOCAR Midstream Operations LLC, and JSC Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation to define operational terms for the Georgian section of the Western Route Export Pipeline.
The Protocol of the Coordination Council formalized the transfer of railway infrastructure management to BTKI Railways LLC, paving the way for resumed passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route starting May 26.