Saakashvili: "Ilham Aliyev’s presidency in Azerbaijan is a guarantee of Georgia’s long-term development”
Presidency of Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan is a guarantee of long-term development of Georgia, President Mikheil Saakashvili said during the Open Air program on Imedi TV.
"Under current leadership, Azerbaijan is clearly in positions closer to NATO. This country plays a stabilizing role in the region, and our enemy is well aware of this (he did not specify who the enemy was). Thus, if Azerbaijan falls as the country oriented towards European integration, it will be a disaster for Georgia," he said.
The Georgian president said Azerbaijan supplies gas to Georgia for three times lower prices than to Europe, and invests in the Georgian economy. "It's vitally important for Georgia, therefore, any change of the course of Azerbaijan would mark a catastrophe for us," he said.
"Azerbaijan is steadily building its statehood and is on its feet. The longer the country will be ruled by Ilham Aliyev, the more confident Georgia will feel," Saakashvili said.
He also confirmed that his statements remain in force on return from Baku, and there are forces "trying to destabilize" the situation in Azerbaijan. "Many do not like my statements, but all the information is confirmed and one needs to be careful," he said.
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