Georgian PM, Kazakh President discuss political, economic ties, “successful” sectoral cooperation

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, on Thursday discussed political and economic ties and “successful cooperation” in various sectors, the Government of Georgia press office said.  

During an exchange at the presidential palace in Astana, both leaders acknowledged “positive dynamics” of growth of trade turnover between the countries and explored opportunities for strengthening collaboration in investment and tourism.

Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia's “key transit role” and emphasised the importance of “joint efforts to enhance connectivity”, particularly in the development of the Middle Corridor -  a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus through Georgia.

Discussing challenges in the South Caucasus region, the Georgian PM expressed gratitude to Astana’s “firm support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

This is one of my first visits after the Parliamentary elections [last year], which demonstrates our special interest in strengthening cooperation, partnership, and friendship between our countries and nations”, Kobakhidze said. 

This friendship is based on very strong historical, traditional roots. So strengthening this partnership is one of the priorities of Georgia’s foreign policy. Political cooperation between our countries is very important for us. I would like to thank you personally and Kazakhstan for supporting our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Further deepening our political cooperation using various formats is also very important. We would be very glad if you would visit our country”, he added. 

President Tokayev congratulated Kobakhidze on his reappointment last year and praised his “leadership”, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s “commitment” to strengthening ties with Georgia.

Congratulations on the reappointment of the Prime Minister of Georgia. Georgia is a very important partner of Kazakhstan, and your well-deserved appointment testifies to your strong leadership in your country”, he told his counterpart.

I also take this opportunity to highly appreciate the significant progress you have made in Georgia in recent years. We are following Georgia’s economic development closely. As far as I know, last year economic growth reached 9.4 percent, which is a very impressive result”, he added.

“Georgia is a friendly country of Kazakhstan. We have the opportunity to assess this economic growth, which will certainly benefit our bilateral cooperation. Your visit to Kazakhstan is very important. I am sure that it will contribute to our further cooperation and relations in many important strategic areas”, Tokayev said.

Levan Davitashvili, the First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Maka Botchorishvili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Levan Zhorzholiani, the Head of the Government Administration, also attended the meeting.