Georgia and Central Asian States Agree to Develop the Middle Corridor
Economy
Foreign ministers from Georgia and the five Central Asian countries met in Batumi on 23 October to discuss transport links between Europe and Asia, expanded trade and stronger investment ties. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to deeper regional cooperation and agreed to make the meetings a regular format.
The first meeting of its kind brought together the foreign ministers of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said changes in the international environment were increasing the importance of the Middle Corridor and the role of Georgia and Central Asian countries in moving cargo between Europe and Asia.
A key topic was the more effective use of transport and logistics routes, including the Middle Corridor, which bypasses Russia. Botchorishvili stressed that regular political dialogue was needed to make full use of the region’s transport potential. She described Georgia as an important link for Central Asian countries seeking access to European and global markets.
The ministers also discussed strengthening political and diplomatic dialogue, expanding trade, economic and investment ties, and developing industrial cooperation. Potential joint projects were identified in agriculture, textiles, chemicals, energy and electrical engineering.
Further priorities included direct contacts between business communities and regions, the development of tourism routes, and stronger historical and cultural ties. The shared heritage of the Great Silk Road was highlighted as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts, strengthen interregional partnerships and improve transport connectivity. Regular meetings are intended to support closer ties between Georgia and the Central Asian states.
A key topic was the more effective use of transport and logistics routes, including the Middle Corridor, which bypasses Russia. Botchorishvili stressed that regular political dialogue was needed to make full use of the region’s transport potential. She described Georgia as an important link for Central Asian countries seeking access to European and global markets.
The ministers also discussed strengthening political and diplomatic dialogue, expanding trade, economic and investment ties, and developing industrial cooperation. Potential joint projects were identified in agriculture, textiles, chemicals, energy and electrical engineering.
Further priorities included direct contacts between business communities and regions, the development of tourism routes, and stronger historical and cultural ties. The shared heritage of the Great Silk Road was highlighted as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts, strengthen interregional partnerships and improve transport connectivity. Regular meetings are intended to support closer ties between Georgia and the Central Asian states.
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