Foreign Minister: “Turkey among Georgia’s greatest trade partners”

Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze says Turkey has been Georgia’s greatest trade partner for more than a decade.

Addressing Turkish diplomats at the Ninth Ambassadors Conference during his two-day visit to Turkey, Minister Janelidze said 2016 has proved how economic relations have deepened between the two countries.

Janelidze encouraged his Turkish colleagues to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation for promoting the region’s economic, transit and energy potential.

Janelidze said economically last year was "one of the hardest” not only for the region but for the world at large. However, he praised the fact that Georgia and Turkey have continued to strengthening ties despite " negative global and locals trends”.

In his speech Janelidze thanked his Turkish colleagues for supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Great meeting with President @RT_Erdogan#Turkey. Highlighted existing close bilateral relations & friendship between two countries pic.twitter.com/syWblWIoX5

— Mikheil Janelidze (@JanelidzeMkh) 10 January 2017

Condemning the recent terror attacks in Turkey, Janelidze expressed his condolence to the families of those who died in various attacks and promised continued support for Turkey’s fight against terrorism.

I believe the connection between the two countries will deepen in the future and will become the basis of safety and stability in the region”, Janelidze said.

Welcoming the long-lasting partnership between the two countries, Janelidze mentioned the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Georgian - Turkish diplomatic relations.

These 25 years have been exemplary for our partnership, cooperation and friendship”, Janelidze said.

He believes the two countries have "wonderful” political relations, which also reflects on successful trade-economic developments.

During his visit to Ankara Janelidze met with numerous high-ranking officials including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and the Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Ahmet Aydın. During the talks, the parties exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.