Georgian PM highlights Turkey as “number one trade partner”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday highlighted Turkey as “the number one trade partner” for Georgia and said he had discussed the prospects of further deepening bilateral trade relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In his comments at the joint press briefing with the Turkish President, Kobakhidze noted that the increased importance of deepening regional, trade, economic, transport and energy cooperation, including transit and connectivity, amid the current processes in the world, had been reviewed with Erdoğan at the meeting.

The Georgian PM, who is visiting Ankara, pointed out that the Georgia-Turkey-Azerbaijan tripartite cooperation format was “a good example” of how countries “which respect each other’s sovereignty and national interests” could cooperate “effectively and successfully”.

We believe that regional cooperation is important and it should be aimed at promoting peace and stability, as well as the development of our countries”, he added.

The Head of the Government stressed the need to further develop the strategic partnership with Turkey “in all directions”, including education, defence and security and said that various strategic projects connecting Georgia and Turkey had also been part of the conversation with the Turkish President.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted the meeting with Erdoğan had revealed “the common interests” between the two states, which was important for the “realisation of the interests of our people” and enhancing strategic partnership.