Tbilisi: I welcome the meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This is a major step forward towards ensuring long-term peace and stability in our region, Georgian military-political expert Vakhtang Maisaia said in an interview with APA. He described the meeting as a historic event.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Maisaia expressed that this reconciliation marks a restoration of historical memories from 2018-2021 when regional security systems worked collaboratively to counter external threats. The expert emphasized the historic significance of this development in establishing peace in the region.

Maisaia noted the potential impact of the Washington meeting on regional power dynamics, suggesting that the ‘Leproust format’ has ceased to be effective and proposing a new collaborative framework. This new format could involve Azerbaijan, Armenia, Trkiye, and the United States, with potential participation from the European Union. He speculated that future developments could reshape the balance of power, with Russia possibly seeking to establish its own regional security system.

The Georgian expert highlighted the opportunity for Georgia to play a more significant role in regional cooperation. He proposed introducing a ‘Caucasus geostrada’ concept to promote peaceful coexistence and collaboration among regional actors. Georgia, as a vital communication route for Azerbaijan and Armenia, stands to benefit from this normalization process.

Maisaia also addressed concerns regarding the Zangezur corridor, emphasizing that it would not rival Georgia but instead enhance its transit and logistics capabilities. He suggested that the corridor could contribute to the South Caucasus becoming a key international transit and communication hub, aligning with initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the US’s ‘West-South’ economic project.

He cautioned about possible opposition from Russia and Iran, noting that both countries have expressed negative stances towards the agreement. Maisaia anticipated that these nations might attempt to block the agreement’s implementation and exert pressure on Georgia to pursue alternative projects, such as the ‘North-South’ corridor. He concluded by asserting that Georgia must prepare for potential challenges arising from these geopolitical tensions.