On July 20, the Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow held talks in Ashgabat with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who arrived in Turkmenistan the day before. The parties discussed the deepening of relations, joint projects and cooperation in the field of transport. Garibashvili noted that his government values close political and economic relations with Turkmenistan. The officials stressed that the implementation of strategic projects will increase the efficiency and safety of cargo transportation between Asia and Europe through the Caspian and Black Seas, which will expand trade and economic relations and contribute to the development of interregional ties.
Garibashvili emphasised that Georgia is investing "substantial amounts" in the development of new roads and railways, as well as in the expansion of seaport capacity. Additionally, he suggested that the utilisation of a route through Georgian territory to the Black Sea would be advantageous for Turkmenistan. The sides also underlined their willingness to expand the existing energy sector collaboration.
On the same day, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili met with his colleague Raşit Meredow. The diplomats also talked about how they could work together on regional transport and transit corridors, pointing out that there were new opportunities in this area. Meanwhile, Georgia and Turkmenistan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of transport.
"We have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of transport, which will enable us to start operating direct flights with Ashgabat, which will further deepen economic ties," said Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili. According to him, the agreement signed with Turkmenistan allows direct flights to Ashgabat and will contribute to the further deepening of economic relations.
The Georgian minister also noted that in the course of negotiations with the Turkmen side, the issue of removing barriers for Georgian products that need to be exported to Turkmenistan was raised. According to Davitashvili, the chemical industry is well developed in Turkmenistan and these products can be exported through Georgia. These are opportunities to increase additional cargo turnover. Davitashvili also argued that there is several million tons of additional cargo flow through the Georgian corridor.
