STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA BY MAKA BOTCHORISHVILI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GEORGIA FOLLOWING THE FIRST JOINT MEETING OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF GEORGIA AND THE CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

Today, I hosted in Batumi the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the five Central Asian countries — Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

I am pleased that the first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Georgia and the Central Asian countries was held here in Georgia, in Batumi. Today’s meeting is of particular importance and sends a clear message about bringing our regions closer together, strengthening political dialogue, and deepening cooperation based on shared interests.

At a time when the international environment is changing rapidly, the role of Georgia and Central Asia is becoming increasingly important. Our regions are an important part of the space connecting Europe and Asia. In this context, close cooperation between our countries takes on particular importance. Through joint efforts, we can strengthen regional connectivity and create new opportunities for our countries and peoples.

Strengthening strategic partnership with Central Asia is one of the important priorities of Georgia’s foreign policy. We are united by historical friendship, shared economic interests, and the common goal of strengthening connectivity between Europe and Asia.

Today, the development of the Middle Corridor is of particular importance. This route connects Central Asia with Europe via the South Caucasus and the Black Sea. Georgia plays an important role in developing this connection and expanding transport capacity. Unlocking the full potential of the Middle Corridor is a shared strategic interest of Georgia and the Central Asian countries. To achieve this, close coordination, developed infrastructure, and strong political will are essential.

Our cooperation is not limited to the economy and transport. Equally important are strengthening political trust, promoting regional peace and stability, and deepening ties between our peoples. The consistent efforts of the Georgian Government to strengthen relations with the Central Asian countries are aimed precisely at achieving these goals. Important steps have been taken in this direction recently.

In June of this year, we established a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. This was an important historic step that gave a new dimension to our relations and created a solid foundation for deepening cooperation.

In July, we also established a strategic partnership with Uzbekistan, within the framework of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Georgia. This is further evidence that relations between our countries are entering a new stage.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Georgia, which took place in July, played an important role in deepening relations with Turkmenistan. The visit created new opportunities for the development of political dialogue, trade and economic ties, and transport cooperation.

Important steps have also been taken in relations with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Official visits by the Prime Minister of Georgia to these countries gave new impetus to bilateral political dialogue and expanded the prospects for economic cooperation.

Relations between Georgia and the Central Asian countries are entering a new stage, providing us with opportunities to deepen cooperation even further. Our main task is to translate strengthened political dialogue into concrete economic results and tangible benefits for our countries and citizens. It is precisely these shared interests that underpin today’s meeting, which will make an important contribution to bringing our regions closer together and create new opportunities for our countries and peoples.

Once again, I would like to thank my colleagues for coming to Georgia, for participating in today’s meeting, and for their demonstrated readiness to deepen our cooperation. We believe that, through joint efforts, we will be able to develop more connected, stable, and economically stronger regions.