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GD PM Kobakhidze Visits Turkmenistan

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze arrived in Turkmenistan on December 11, marking his third visit to the country this year.

Kobakhidze, traveling with GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili and Government Administration head Levan Zhorzholiani, took part in an international forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust. He also addressed a plenary session titled “Peace and Trust: Shared Goals for a Sustainable Future.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other regional leaders also attended the summit.

Meeting with the President of Turkmenistan

On December 11, Irakli Kobakhidze met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.

“The dignitaries discussed the political and economic relations between the two countries. Attending was given to deepening cooperation in the transit and logistics sectors, as well as the potential for attracting additional cargo from Central Asia to Georgia’s seaports through the Middle Corridor,” the government administration said in a press release, adding that Kobakhidze “expressed Georgia’s readiness to facilitate the transportation of Turkmen gas through Georgian territory.” He also invited Berdimuhamedow to Georgia.

“Held a productive meeting with H.E. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan. Our discussion focused on strengthening the partnership between our countries and enhancing cooperation in support of regional peace and stability,” Kobakhidze wrote on X after the meeting.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan

On December 11, Irakli Kobakhidze also met with the Azerbaijani PM Ali Asadov.

“The meeting focused on the strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan, and the positive dynamics of deepening cooperation across various sectors. Emphasis was placed on the growing trade and economic cooperation and the regionally significant projects jointly implemented by Georgia and Azerbaijan,” the government administration press release said. They also discussed the Middle Corridor and regional cooperation in energy security.

“Met with Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ali Asadov, on the sidelines of the Ashgabat Forum. Georgia and Azerbaijan remain strong allies and continue to work together in support of regional peace and stability. We are dedicated to advancing our strategic partnership,” Kobakhidze wrote on X after the meeting.

The meeting followed accusations from Azerbaijan’s government-affiliated media that Georgia had obstructed Azerbaijani trucks at the border and offered high railway transit tariffs on Azerbaijani fuel bound for Armenia. Amid the controversy, Kobakhidze ordered a one-time, free shipment of Azerbaijani fuel to Armenia.

Kobakhidze Delivers Speech at International Forum

On December 12, Kobakhidze addressed the forum session titled “Peace and Trust: The Unity of All for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizing that amid global crises, “the principles of peace and trust are not just ideals, but the most essential tools for ensuring global stability and sustainable development.”

Referring to Russia’s ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Kobakhidze said Georgia views peace “not merely as a policy choice, but as an existential priority.”

“With its positive economic momentum, Georgia sees itself as an active facilitator of regional cooperation, building both physical and diplomatic bridges across the region,” Kobakhidze said. The PM highlighted the Middle Corridor linking Asia and Europe as a cornerstone of Georgia’s regional vision, calling it “more than a transport route.” Designed to strengthen economic interdependence, the corridor, he said, serves as “a durable foundation of trust” connecting people, businesses, and cultures.

Kobakhidze noted that Georgia is positioning itself as a neutral platform for dialogue in the South Caucasus, noting initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions and opening communication channels among neighbors. He reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to translating the International Year of Peace and Trust into “concrete and lasting progress.”

Before delivering his address, other regional leaders also spoke at the forum. Kobakhidze was noted at the event alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also addressed the session. During Putin’s speech, Kobakhidze remained in the hall.

Meeting with President of Kazakhstan

On December 12, Irakli Kobakhidze also met with the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The discussions between leaders focused on political and economic ties between the two countries, as well as successful cooperation across various fields, according to a Georgian government press release. Kobakhidze said the close relationship between the two nations has “tremendous potential” that should be fully utilized, while Tokayev described Georgia as an important partner with strong prospects, particularly in transport and logistics, which he said plays a driving role with wider impact on other sectors.

“Pleased to meet with H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan. We discussed our bilateral agenda and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in the economy, security and other shared areas of interest,” Kobakhidze wrote on X following the meeting.

More to follow…

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