December 1
PM: Suspension of Strategic Partnership by the US is a Temporary Event, Just as Salome Zurabishvili Being President Is
After the press spokesman of the US State Department, Matthew Miller, wrote on X about the decision to suspend the strategic partnership between the USA and Georgia, the Prime Minister characterized this action as a similar approach to Ukraine and noted that they would wait for a new administration to discuss everything. He generalized the situation as a temporary event by referring to Salome Zurabishvili being president.
Miller stated that the Georgian Dream party took anti-democratic actions that violated relations between the USA and Georgia, and he called on the government to return to the Euro-Atlantic path. He mentioned that the suspension of the EU accession process is against full integration into the EU and NATO.
Kobakhidze stated that the government plans to meet over 90 percent of the commitments outlined in the Association and Free Trade Agreements with the EU. He also expressed his confidence in the new US administration after the inauguration of Donald Trump. The PM also discussed the past four years of relations between Georgia and its Eastern allies, which faced significant challenges, including "artificial obstacles" and "blatant blackmail."
Azerbaijan has been chosen as the Chair of the Central and Eastern European Regional Group and a member of the Bureau for the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This decision was made unanimously during the COP16 session held from December 2-13 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Azerbaijan was also designated as Vice-President of the Conference of the Parties, alongside the Chair of the regional group, which includes an additional 15 countries.
At the 31st meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. During the meeting, they discussed Azerbaijan-EU relations, energy security, transport and communications. The Foreign Minister also highlighted the outcomes of Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency and provided an update on the post-conflict situation, including large-scale reconstruction in the liberated territories and challenges posed by landmine contamination.
December 5
Antony Blinken: There Will Be Sanctions for Those Undermining Democracy in Georgia
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions on individuals and entities undermining democratic processes and institutions in Georgia, and called on the Georgian Dream party to cease arbitrary detention and physical violence. While he pointed out that the partnership between the USA and Georgia has continued for over 32 years based on shared values of freedom and democracy, he emphasized that the activities aimed at strengthening the economy, defense capabilities, education, and health will continue.
He added that, in addition to reviewing bilateral relations, new sanctions are being prepared.
December 6
Amid Violence in Georgia, Chair Cardin and Senators Speak with Georgian President to Discuss Decision to End EU Membership Bid
US Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) released a statement in support of Georgians' desire to join the European Union and expressed concern to the government regarding actions against peaceful protestors. This followed discussions with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili.
While they mentioned that US policy would change, they also welcomed the Biden Administration’s recent announcement of targeted sanctions against those responsible for undermining Georgia's institutions.
December 7
International Parliamentary Conference on “Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives” Concludes at Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis
An international parliamentary conference titled “Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives” concluded at Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, with nearly 100 representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries and international organizations. The conference focused on the role of parliaments in global processes, the development of parliamentary traditions, and the opportunities of parliamentary diplomacy.
In the opening ceremony, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, noted that the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first legislative body in the entire Muslim East, formed based on democratic principles. Conference participants praised the activity of Azerbaijan’s Parliament and its contribution to the development of inter-parliamentary relations.
December 8
Georgian PM Credits Economic Growth to “Clear Policy” and “Effective Management”
After Fitch Ratings affirmed the country’s BB sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze spoke about the government’s “clear economic policy” and “strong management.” He attributed the nation’s ₾40 billion ($14.2 billion) economic growth to these factors and pointed out that the country is well-positioned for continued growth.
Kobakhidze promised that with a stable exchange rate and favorable conditions for businesses, the economy would continue to grow.
In response to ongoing protests against the government’s decision to delay EU accession talks, Kobakhidze rejected opposition claims, referring to failed attempts to organize a “Maidan-style” protest. He stated that the opposition’s efforts to harm the economy had been unsuccessful and emphasized that the business community opposed such disruptions.
December 11
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We Strongly Condemn and Reject Biased Statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned and rejected the anti-Azerbaijan statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Ministry characterized the last four years as "lost years" in reference to Blinken's double standards and expressed hope for continued friendship and partnership between the USA and Azerbaijan.
December 12
Honoring the Memory and Legacy of the National Leader and Founder of Azerbaijan’s Strong Statehood
December 12 marks the anniversary of the passing of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, which is commemorated with deep respect by the Azerbaijani people each year. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan emerged from a turbulent situation as a strong and reliable state. His dedication and visionary approach serve as guidelines for the nation in challenging times. The first oil contract of independent Azerbaijan, known as "The Contract of the Century," signed in September 1994, is the result of Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy.
At the same time, his attention to education and recognition of education as essential for national progress laid the foundation for a prosperous, modern, and sovereign Azerbaijan, marked by a strong national identity and global recognition, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.
December 13
Sandu meets EU officials, receiving support for Moldova’s EU Path and Reforms
European Council President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the EU pledging 50 million euros to Moldova to support reforms and stability during the meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The Moldovan President also met with top EU officials, such as Antonio Costa, European Commission President, and Marta Cos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, in Brussels on December 10 and 11.
December 14
Electoral College elects Mikheil Kavlashvili as “President”
In the election for President, sole candidate Mikheil Kavlashvili was elected as President with 224 votes in favor out of 300 members of the commission. While the opposition did not participate in the election, the procedure took place in the Parliament’s plenary session hall. The result was announced by the Chairman of the Central Election Commission.
December 16
Jozwiak: Debate on Georgia over – Hungary and Slovakia block sanctions
In the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs, the discussion on the preparation for the topic of suspension of visa liberalization for Georgians holding diplomatic passports failed on December 16. Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, mentioned that any sanctions against Georgian Dream officials will be blocked by Hungary during the meeting with newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Bochorishvili, in her first official visit to Budapest.
December 17
Azerbaijan takes over CICA chairmanship for 2024-2026
The 7th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Ministerial Council) of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held online with the participation of Foreign Ministers, State Ministers, Deputy Foreign Ministers, and heads of delegations from 27 member countries, hosted by Azerbaijan on Tuesday. After the Chairmanship of the Conference for 2024-2026 was handed over to Azerbaijan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the Azerbaijani Chairmanship of CICA is grounded in the theme of “Stronger CICA – Connectivity, Digitalization, and Sustainable Growth in Asia,” and will prioritize three overarching issues, namely: • CICA’s transformation and institutional development, • Sectoral cooperation through the implementation of confidence-building measures, and • Promotion of synergy between CICA and other international and regional organizations.
(Azertag.az, "Azerbaijan takes over CICA chairmanship for 2024-2026", (17.12.2024))
December 18
Council of Europe Secretary General arrives in Georgia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided information about the visit of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to Georgia and his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lasha Darsalia at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport. He also met with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, president-elect Mikheil Kavlashvili, and Georgian Dream’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili.
(Georgiatoday.ge, "Council of Europe Secretary General arrives in Georgia", (18.12.2024))
December 19
PM Asadov: Azerbaijan will closely contribute to protecting D-8 Organization’s fundamental principles
Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, participated in the 11th Summit of D-8 in Cairo, Egypt and provided information about Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, the world’s largest organization after the UN, as well as its role as the host country for COP29, and the unanimous decision to elect Azerbaijan as a member of D-8.
December 20
Azerbaijan takes over BSEC chairmanship for the first half of 2025
Azerbaijan assumed the BSEC chairmanship for the first half of 2025, at the 49th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), which was held online. In the meeting, Azerbaijan's efforts to boost the transit potential of the region through the Middle Corridor and to establish safe transport routes were highlighted, along with Azerbaijan’s contributions as a founding member of BSEC. It was noted that one of Azerbaijan’s main priorities during its 2025 chairmanship would be to strengthen the activities of BSEC working groups and enhance field-level collaboration among member states.
(Azertag.az, "Azerbaijan takes over BSEC chairmanship for first half of 2025",(20.12.2024))
December 22
Georgian PM describes COE Secretary General’s visit as a “strong show of support”
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a “productive and insightful” meeting with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE), which served as a clear indication of strong support for Georgia and its people. Kobakhidze described the discussions with Berset as “productive and insightful,” and provided information about topics discussed, such as the law on foreign influence transparency, while also pointing out that “We are open to any format for discussion.”
December 23
Baku hosts Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Leaders
Under the title of “Pressing Issues of Religious Enlightenment: Tradition, Experience, and Prospects,” the Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Leaders was held in Baku, organized by the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations. In the event, officials from state institutions, theologians, specialists, and over 100 religious leaders representing various faiths across Azerbaijan participated. Speakers emphasized that representatives from all regions and ethnic groups have lived in harmony under peace, friendship, and mutual understanding in Azerbaijan for centuries. During the conference, an exhibition on the topic "The Western Azerbaijan: Maps, Exhibits, Monuments, Deportation" was also held.
(Azertag.az, "Baku hosts Forum of Azerbaijani Religious Leaders", 23.12.2024))
December 25
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issues statement on Azerbaijan Airlines’ aircraft crash
A statement about the crash of an aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) was shared by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement reads: “On December 25, the Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, operating flight number J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, was directed to Aktau due to an emergency landing requirement and crashed near the city. The causes of the accident are being investigated. There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. A state commission has been established, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ali Asadov, following the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to investigate the causes of the plane crash.”
December 26
International community continues to offer condolences to Azerbaijan
Messages of condolence from officials of various countries, such as the Presidents of the Republic of China, Poland, Maldives, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Spokesperson for NATO, and the speakers of parliaments, among others, reached Azerbaijan following the tragic crash of an AZAL plane operating the Baku-Grozny route.
(Azertag.az, "International community continues to offer condolences to Azerbaijan", 26.12.2024))
December 28
Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan signed 204 documents with 40 countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that “Azerbaijan signed 204 documents with 40 countries on a bilateral and multilateral basis,” in the press release about the results of 2024. With the opening of new diplomatic missions, the overall number reached 92.
December 30
Aykhan Hajizada: Azerbaijan committed to supporting stability in Syria
“Under the directive of the President of Azerbaijan, humanitarian aid is being dispatched to assist the Syrian people on behalf of the Azerbaijani government. The convoy, carrying approximately 200 tons of food and essential supplies, will travel through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, reaching the "Cobanbey" border crossing. From there, the aid will be delivered to Idlib, Syria, and distributed to those in need with the support of Turkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD),” Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists.
(Azertag.az, "Aykhan Hajizada: Azerbaijan committed to supporting stability in Syria", 30.12.2024))
December 31
First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva shared post on World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and New Year
First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, shared a post on her official social media pages and congratulate on December 31, World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, and the upcoming New Year.