Georgia, Kazakhstan discuss bilateral cooperation

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili is on an official visit to Astana to discuss Georgia’s relationship with Kazakhstan and explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Garibashvili has already met a number of top officials, including President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Karim Massimov.

PM Garibashvili believed Kazakhstan was a friend and important partner for Georgia and that was proven at today’s meetings.

However, he noted the visit of the Georgian delegation will further strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

"Georgia welcomes the regular cooperation of the two countries' Foreign Ministers in the framework of political consultations. We believe in deepening the partnership between the legislative bodies of the countries,” Garibashvili said at the joint press conference with his Kazakh counterpart.

Meanwhile, PM Massimov focused on strengthening political-economic cooperation between Georgia and Kazakhstan and development of humanitarian-cultural relations.

"The main issue of the discussion was the enlargement of the transport corridor. It is essential to finish the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway that will enable cargo turnover between the countries. In particular, Kazakh will make efforts to send local products to Georgian and European markets and Georgian products will have the opportunity to be exported in Middle Asia, including China,” Massimov said.

PM Garibashvili emphasized the advantages of the EU-Georgia’s Association and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements.

"I would like to reiterate that strengthening bilateral relations with the two countries gives us more new opportunities. We are interested to increase trade relations with Kazakhistan,” Garibashvili said.

In addition the parties discussed Georgia's investment and tourist potential. The Prime Minister and members of the Georgian Government informed the Kazakhstan party about the projects the Georgian Government implemented for supporting local and foreign entrepreneurs.

The importance of activating cooperation between foreign agencies and legislative bodies of the two countries was emphasized at the extended meeting with President Nazarbayev.

Garibashvili thanked Nazarbayev for supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.