Ankara: Trkiye and Georgia will continue to work "shoulder to shoulder" for regional cooperation, peace, and development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated at a news conference alongside his Georgian counterpart, Mikheil Kavelashvili.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the strategic importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway, describing it as 'the backbone of the Middle Corridor' and highlighting its significance as it begins operating at full capacity. The Turkish president noted that the trade volume has surpassed $3 billion in recent years, with a new target of $5 billion in sight. He affirmed the determination to promote mutual investments, citing that over 2,000 Turkish companies are operating in Georgia due to the favorable environment provided by the country.
Erdogan highlighted that cooperation in the defense industry and military fields was a key agenda item, adding that Trkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are fostering regional peace and cooperation through trilateral mechanisms in foreign policy and security. He revealed plans to host the next Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting and convene a Trilateral Speakers of Parliament Meeting once parliaments are back in session.
Discussions between Erdogan and Kavelashvili included the security of the Black Sea, peace processes in the Caucasus, the war in Ukraine, and the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Erdogan reiterated the commitment of Trkiye and Georgia to work together for cooperation, peace, and development in the region and beyond. He also addressed the issue of the Ahiska Turks, emphasizing the importance of their safe and dignified return to their historical lands.
Georgian President Kavelashvili acknowledged Erdogan's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as vital for establishing peace. He invited Erdogan to Georgia and expressed hope for future cooperation and strategic council meetings. Kavelashvili stressed the importance of Trkiye's support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Kavelashvili assured that Georgia would continue contributing to Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks, highlighting the trilateral mechanism between Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Georgia as a model of cooperation and respect for territorial integrity. He noted that Trkiye is Georgia's number one trading partner and discussed potential steps to enhance trade relations, particularly in exports and the benefits of free trade agreements.
The Georgian president also mentioned discussions about the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway projects, underscoring their importance for political cooperation. Kavelashvili is currently on a two-day visit to Trkiye, where he was welcomed with an official ceremony and an official dinner hosted by Erdogan in Ankara.