Turkmen president highlights transport links and historic ties with Georgia

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan and Georgia would continue strengthening cooperation on regional transport and logistics projects, while describing the two nations as long-standing partners connected by historic ties.

Speaking alongside Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at a joint briefing, Berdimuhamedov said the two countries had agreed to continue working together within the TRACECA transport corridor, both bilaterally and with other participating states.

He said the South Caucasus played a key role in transport routes linking the Caspian region and beyond, highlighting several strategic projects, including the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which connects Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, as well as the Caspian-Black Sea transport corridor involving Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Romania.

Berdimuhamedov said negotiations were already under way on the use of port infrastructure on the Caspian and Black Seas for mutual benefit. He added that Turkmenistan sought to expand cooperation with Georgia in energy, telecommunications, industry, manufacturing, textiles, construction and other sectors.

The Turkmen president also stressed the importance of strengthening humanitarian ties.

"The Turkmen and Georgian peoples have been connected for a long time. They share historic ties, and those ties are now entering a new context," Berdimuhamedov said.

He said the two countries had agreed to support closer cultural exchanges, promote cooperation in the arts, and expand contacts in science, education and inter-university collaboration.

Berdimuhamedov noted that his visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia. Congratulating Prime Minister Kobakhidze on the milestone, he said he was satisfied with the outcomes of the talks and expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the visit would further strengthen bilateral relations.

He concluded by wishing the people of Georgia peace, prosperity and success.