“It does not matter whether Bidzina Ivanishvili has held a specific position, currently holds one, will leave politics again, or what rank he has — his responsibility and role are always of a completely different magnitude than any official position,” said Georgian Dream MP Levan Machavariani, in response to a question about the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Dream’s honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili.

According to Machavariani, Bidzina Ivanishvili is the main guarantor of preserving and strengthening national identity, as well as protecting independence and sovereignty, and ensuring peace, stability, and development in the country.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili is the honorary chairman of our party. Ilham Aliyev held meetings with our President, our Prime Minister, and Bidzina Ivanishvili. He discussed with each of them separately the issues that are important for our countries. It does not matter whether Bidzina Ivanishvili has held a specific position, holds one now, or will leave politics again. His responsibility and role are always of a completely different magnitude than any official position.

As for his responsibility and role, they are always of a different scale than any particular position. Whether he entered politics or not, whether he held a specific office or not — even if he leaves politics tomorrow, his role and responsibility will still be of a different magnitude. This is because, if we speak in personal terms, Bidzina Ivanishvili is the main guarantor of preserving and strengthening our national identity, protecting our independence and sovereignty, and ensuring peace, stability, and development in our country,” Machavariani said.

For context, yesterday Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who was on an official visit to Georgia, met with Bidzina Ivanishvili after holding meetings with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil Kavelashvili. The meeting took place at the Tbilisi Business Center. According to released footage, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was also present during Aliyev’s visit. Ivanishvili also introduced Aliyev to Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili, Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, and Georgia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zurab Pataradze.