Turkey and Georgia set to collaborate closely for regional cooperation and peace, according to President Erdogan
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili recently emphasized their continued cooperation for regional peace and development during a meeting in Ankara.
The discussion between the leaders focused on various aspects, including trade relations, defense cooperation, and regional stability.
Trade Relations
Turkey and Georgia are aiming to boost their trade volume from the current $3 billion to $5 billion. With Turkey being Georgia's largest trading partner for years, the two countries are working towards expanding their economic ties. Turkish companies have a significant presence in Georgia, with over 300 large-scale construction projects worth billions of dollars already implemented.
The countries are also involved in joint infrastructure projects, such as the Tbilisi-Kars railway, which is part of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, a key component of the Middle Corridor.
Defense Cooperation
There is a focus on deepening cooperation in the military and defense sectors, which are key items on their agenda. Georgia is gradually integrating into the military-political architecture that Turkey and Azerbaijan are building in the South Caucasus, as part of broader regional initiatives.
Regional Cooperation
Both countries emphasize their commitment to regional stability through trilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the Türkiye-Georgia-Azerbaijan trilateral mechanism. The relationship is rooted in deep political, economic, and regional ties, with both countries recognizing the strategic partnership as crucial for regional peace and development.
Additional Aspects
The leaders also discussed the security of the Black Sea, peace processes in the Caucasus, the war in Ukraine, and the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Turkey has raised the issue of the "dignified and safe return" of Meskhetian Turks to Georgia, which is seen as part of broader demographic and historical projects in the region.
Erdogan noted that Georgia is the homeland of the Ahiska Turks and conveyed their expectations regarding the safe and dignified return of Ahiska Turks. Kavelashvili has invited Erdogan for a future High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting.
Turkey plans to host the next Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting and a Trilateral Speakers of Parliament Meeting. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway is considered the backbone of the Middle Corridor and is operating at full capacity. Over 2,000 Turkish companies are operating in Georgia due to the favorable environment provided by the country.
Kavelashvili considers Turkey's role in the Russia-Ukraine war crucial for establishing peace. The current state of Turkey-Georgia relations is characterised by a strong strategic partnership encompassing trade, defense, and regional cooperation.
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