Georgian PM hails “friendly”, “constantly developing” ties with Uzbekistan in counterpart’s first visit

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday hailed “friendly” and “constantly developing” political, economic and trade ties with Uzbekistan during the first official visit of Abdulla Aripov, his Uzbek counterpart, to Tbilisi. 

In a face-to-face meeting at his office following an official reception, Garibashvili announced the two countries would sign an action plan of practical measures to further strengthen bilateral cooperation later today, the Government Administration said. 

Recalling his official visit to Uzbekistan last year and a “warm reception” by officials in the country, the head of the Georgian Government stressed bilateral cooperation was developing in “all directions”. 

Garibashvili noted a “significant increase” in trade turnover was observed over the past two years, and welcomed Uzbek investors’ “growing interest” in Georgia, before both officials expressed their readiness to “fully use economic and trade potential” between their countries.  

The officials also discussed Georgia’s transit potential, the importance of the Middle Corridor - the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - and the promotion of the route in international formats. 

The Georgian PM also pledged his Government would continue cooperation with Uzbekistan to share its experience on democratic reforms, before extending his well-wishes to the newly elected Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. 

Expressing his gratitude for the “friendly reception”, Aripov stressed he and his delegation had felt the “traditional hospitality and sincere respect characteristic of the Georgian people” from the “very first moments of arrival”. 

He also highlighted his visit as a “logical continuation” of the bilateral dialogue launched a year ago by Garibashvili’s visit to his country. 

The meeting between the officials was followed by a meeting in an extended format, the Government press office said.