Georgia deepening Central Asia ties, Vice PM Mdinaradze

Georgia is placing special emphasis on strengthening relations with Central Asian countries, including Turkmenistan, with nearly 24 agreements and memoranda signed during the latest high-level visit, Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies Mamuka Mdinaradze said on Friday.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Mdinaradze said cooperation across all sectors was important, particularly partnerships that contribute to economic security.

"We believe our recent engagement with Central Asian countries serves this goal and, in every respect, strengthens Georgia's level of independence and reinforces its position in the region," he said.

Mdinaradze also said Georgia would continue to play a pivotal role in the Middle Corridor because of its geographic location and transit function.

"Georgia will always have a special role and mission in every aspect of the Middle Corridor. It is a transit country, and this historical and geographical role will always remain. Everyone will have to take that into account," he said.

He argued that discussions on regional connectivity without Georgia were inconceivable, describing the Middle Corridor as a key route for trade, economic cooperation and transit across the region.

Referring to recent criticism by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA), Mdinaradze said that while some appeared to ignore Georgia's place on the map, the country's geographical importance could not be overlooked.

"Georgia is where it is, and without it, it is impossible even to talk about connectivity in this region," he said.