President Aliyev Visits Tbilisi Following Controversial Deportation of Sadigov
By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Georgia on Monday, April 6, 2026, for a high level state visit that coincides with the swift deportation of an exiled Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov. Aliyev, accompanied by his wife Mehriban Aliyeva, held meetings with top Georgian Dream officials, including a private luncheon hosted by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The visit began at Tbilisi International Airport, where the Azerbaijani delegation was met by Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. Aliyev proceeded to lay wreaths at the Heroes Memorial and the monument of Heydar Aliyev before moving to official talks at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace.
Georgian Dream President Mikheil Kavelashvili received Aliyev for a one on one meeting focused on the "high level strategic partnership" between the two nations. The leaders discussed regional security, with Kavelashvili emphasizing Georgia's commitment to maintaining peace amidst fundamental changes in the international order. Aliyev also expressed his condolences for the recent death of Patriarch Ilia II.
Following this, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Aliyev to discuss economic cooperation and the "Middle Corridor" transport initiative. Kobakhidze described Aliyev as a "valued friend" and praised the "exceptional historical friendship" between the two countries. The discussions highlighted the Baku Tbilisi Kars (BTK) railway as a key driver for regional connectivity.
"Georgia has always been and remains a strong supporter of Azerbaijan's national interests," Kobakhidze stated during a joint press briefing, adding that Tbilisi stands ready to facilitate the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The diplomatic visit took place just one day after the controversial deportation of journalist Afgan Sadigov. Sadigov, the founder of Azel.tv, was arrested late Saturday night and ordered deported by a Tbilisi judge at 4 am on Sunday. Georgian authorities cited an "insult" to a police officer on social media as the grounds for his expulsion, along with a GEL 2,000 fine and a three year entry ban.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the deportation was a maneuver to bypass a standing European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling that barred his extradition. The Georgian Interior Ministry defended the action, claiming that since Azerbaijan had recently dropped its criminal case against Sadigov, the ECtHR stay no longer applied.
President Aliyev praised the "impressive economic growth" under the Georgian Dream government and characterized the current political environment as a "guarantor" of stability. He suggested that the two countries may look toward joint investment projects in third countries as the next step in their partnership.
