GUAM develops new vision for next 20 years
The jubilee 20th session of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development with participation of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova was held in Tbilisi on October 8.
The jubilee 20th session of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development with participation of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova was held in Tbilisi on October 8.
GUAM, a regional organization of four post-Soviet states - Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova was established in 1997 in the need for strengthening quadrilateral cooperation for the sake of joint interests and vision for more stability and development.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister of Moldova Andrei Galbur, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavel Klimkin got together in Georgian capital, which is holding GUAM's chairmanship this year under the priority to provide dynamic and productive cooperation between the member states.
The plans of GUAM future cooperation was one of the important topics of discussion at the meeting, alongside the problem of territorial integrity and sovereignty, which is common for all four organization members.
Azerbaijan, as an active member state of GUAM, made a major contribution to the development of the organization and deepening of cooperation between member states, said Mammadyarov as he delivered a speech at the meeting of GUAM Member States Council of FMs.
Mammadyarov added that successful activity within the framework of the organization was established on the basis of mutual trust and support.
Mentioning that GUAM was established 20 years ago with a view of promoting the peace, security and stability in the region and also enhancing economic development and interconnectivity among the member states, Mammadyarov noted that the organization provides a unique regional platform to strengthen a wide range of cooperation among member states and their partners.
Touching upon protracted conflicts in the territories of GUAM member states, Mammadyarov emphasized that these conflicts must be resolved on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states.
Noting that strategic level relations within the GUAM promotes strengthening of economic partnerships and development of cooperation in the spheres of trade and transport, the minister added that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will play a transit-bridge role for the countries within the GUAM region and beyond. In this regard, the minister drew attention to the importance of promotion of GUAM Transport Corridor which connects Europe and Asia.
The FM emphasized that Azerbaijan is satisfied with cooperation in different spheres within the GUAM and stated the importance of increasing common efforts to develop economic-trade relations among the member states.
The minister noted that during the last 20 years GUAM member states has achieved to establish a close cooperation based on partnership and mutual trust, and the strengthening of trust and solidarity will make the work of organization more successful.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that he had put forth an initiative to hold sports games within the GUAM framework.
As part of the quadrilateral meeting, the foreign ministers of the four countries also signed a joint communique on the results of the special meeting.
“This Document is a proof of the unanimous will of the four countries to achieve greater results, through joint efforts, to the common benefit of their people,” said Janelidze following the signing ceremony.
At a joint press conference Georgian Minister said: “Today, we evaluated not only the past 20 years, but also developed a new vision, discussed a new vision for the next 20 years." We must make this vision part of our overall strategy that will raise the organization to a new height and deepen our cooperation.”
Janelidze stressed a significant role of Azerbaijan in GUAM during his meeting with Mammadyarov, where they discussed a range of issues including prospects of cooperation within GUAM, as well as regional security, international relations.
The Georgian FM highlighted developing relations between the two countries.
Mammadyarov expressed confidence that the activity of GUAM will strengthen over the future.
Afterwards, the ministers of GUAM were also hosted by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The sides once again underlined the willingness of member states to take active steps for strengthening peace, stability, cooperation and economic development in the region.
Within the event, the delegation of the GUAM foreign ministers met with Georgia's President Georgi Margvelashvili.
The jubilee date of GUAM and the role of Georgia as the countrychairman of the organization were discussed during the meeting.
Georgian president noted that it is necessary to take significant steps to ensure that this format, which is inherently unique and implies cooperation between strategic partners, is even more developed and even more strongly represented in the international arena.
The conversation also touched upon the security issues in the region, sectoral cooperation and concrete plans for cooperation in the future.