Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said his Government was “interested” in ensuring “lasting peace” in the South Caucasus region and was committed to facilitate related talks between neighbourly Azerbaijan and Armenia, before hailing “excellent ties” with both nations in his address at the Paris Peace Forum panel discussion, according to Agenda.ge.

Addressing the discussion Insights on Cooperation in a world of rivalry: Crafting Peace and Building a Safer World – The case of Caucasus - along with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan, Garibashvili stressed the long-running conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Karabakh region was a “matter of concern” for Tbilisi, and claimed his communication and exchange with the leaders of both countries were “full of trust”.

Trust is crucial here, because if someone offers mediation, both parties must trust them. If there is no trust, there will be no successful mediation”, Garibashvili said, and added the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum last month, which brought together Azerbaijani and Armenian top officials, also discussed ways for regional peace and security.

The official also reiterated his stance voiced at the Davos Forum in January that “parties may not trust each other, but negotiations have no alternative. Without dialogue peace will not be established”.