Karoli Gaspar University, Budapest

Abstract

The border issue was very important in relations between the South Caucasian first republics, emerged in 1918. Despite disagreements regarding the Zagatala region and some other territories, there has never been an armed conflict between Baku and Tbilisi. Both Baku and Tbilisi understood perfectly well that any military conflict would be harmful for both states. Politicians from both countries really assessed the situation, and this indicates their professionalism and dignity. The issue of determining the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan has never reached the level of complicating the resolution of other issues or, moreover, aggravating the situation between the two states. It should also be taken into account that Georgia and Azerbaijan had much more common interests than controversial issues. One of the most important issues was the export of Baku oil, which passed through the Baku-Batumi oil pipeline and required coordinated actions of both states. One of the ways for transportation of the Baku oil was via the Baku-Batumi oil pipeline, and the other was by rail. Oil transported through the pipeline was mainly destined for Europe. For its needs, Georgia transported oil and various types of petroleum products mainly by rail. The treaties on transit, telegraph communications, and postal communications were signed between neighboring Georgia and Azerbaijan. The conclusions of these treaties were of great political and economic importance for both states. The agreement on railway communication, concluded on March 8, 1919, was of great significance. In order to protect the borders and independence of their states, the Georgian-Azerbaijani mutual defense treaty was signed on June 16, 1919 in Tbilisi. The establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan strained relations between Baku and Tbilisi. Soviet Russia used Soviet Azerbaijan, as well as Soviet Armenia, as a springboard for the occupation of Georgia