Turkmenistan, Georgia Sign Joint Statement to Expand Political, Economic and Cultural Cooperation

Tbilisi, The Gulf Observer: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov concluded a successful state visit to Georgia on July 17, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation through strengthened political dialogue, expanded economic ties and enhanced cultural and humanitarian collaboration.

The day’s official programme began at Heroes’ Square in Tbilisi, where President Berdimuhamedov laid a wreath at the monument honouring Georgia’s national heroes. The ceremony, attended by a guard of honour and accompanied by the national anthems of both countries, underscored the shared tradition of honouring those who sacrificed their lives for future generations.

The Turkmen leader then proceeded to the Georgian Government building, where he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. During one-on-one talks, the Georgian Prime Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding productive relations with Turkmenistan, expressing confidence that the President’s state visit would provide fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze conveyed greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and highlighted the significance of the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum held a day earlier, noting that its outcomes would contribute to strengthening trade and economic relations.

President Berdimuhamedov thanked the Georgian leadership for the invitation and warm hospitality, while conveying greetings from Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Prime Minister Kobakhidze. He emphasized that Turkmenistan and Georgia have established strong cooperation across political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.

The discussions later expanded to include official delegations from both countries. Prime Minister Kobakhidze recalled that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s 2015 visit had laid the foundation for today’s steadily growing partnership and noted that the bilateral agreements signed during the current visit would create new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.

Addressing the expanded meeting, President Berdimuhamedov described Turkmen-Georgian relations as a model of friendship, equality and mutual respect, stating that the visit was intended to further deepen the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The President praised the close cooperation between Turkmenistan and Georgia within international organisations, particularly the United Nations, and welcomed the continued growth in bilateral trade. He underscored the important role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in promoting economic engagement.

Highlighting transport and logistics as strategic priorities, President Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to facilitate Georgia’s access to the markets of Central Asia, the Asia-Pacific region and South Asia. He also identified the Lapis Lazuli Transport Corridor, connecting Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, as a key regional connectivity initiative.

The Turkmen leader expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the energy sector and confirmed both sides’ willingness to explore new opportunities in this field. Tourism was also identified as a promising area for future collaboration.

President Berdimuhamedov further emphasized the importance of strengthening direct contacts between the business communities of both countries, noting that the Turkmen-Georgian Business Forum had generated a number of practical proposals for expanding commercial cooperation.

In the cultural sphere, he recalled the unveiling of a monument to renowned Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli in Ashgabat in 2024 and highlighted Georgia’s appreciation for Turkmen culture and the literary legacy of the celebrated Turkmen poet Makhtumkuli Pyragy.

The President also stressed the significance of expanding scientific and educational cooperation, encouraging closer partnerships between universities and research institutions. Referring to the sister-city agreement signed three years ago between Arkadag and Telavi, he proposed establishing a similar partnership between the coastal cities of Turkmenbashi and Batumi.

At the conclusion of the talks, President Berdimuhamedov invited Prime Minister Kobakhidze to visit Turkmenistan at a mutually convenient time.

The visit culminated in the signing of a Joint Statement by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, followed by the exchange of a substantial package of bilateral agreements covering various sectors of cooperation.

Addressing a joint press conference, President Berdimuhamedov described his discussions with the Georgian leadership as constructive and productive, emphasizing that both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to expanding political dialogue, strengthening the legal framework for cooperation and advancing diplomatic engagement.

The Turkmen leader expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the visit would further reinforce Turkmen-Georgian relations and wished the Georgian people continued peace, prosperity and well-being.

Following the conclusion of the state visit, President Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister Kobakhidze travelled together to Tbilisi’s Shota Rustaveli International Airport, where they exchanged farewell greetings before the President departed for Ashgabat.

The outcomes of the visit reaffirmed the shared determination of Turkmenistan and Georgia to elevate their partnership to a new level, with the signed agreements providing a solid foundation for long-term cooperation based on mutual trust, shared interests and expanding regional engagement.