Enhanced cooperation between Turkey and Georgia supports regional tranquility, according to Erdogan
Deepening Cooperation: Turkey and Georgia Strengthen Ties for Regional Stability
Turkey and Georgia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in peace, security, and economic development, further strengthening their strategic, neighborly partnership. This was evident during Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili's recent visit to Turkey, his first official visit since taking office in December 2024.
The trilateral mechanisms between Turkey and Georgia, established in 2014 and expanded in 2018, play a crucial role in this cooperation. These mechanisms focus on foreign policy, security, economic development, and trade, aiming to promote regional stability.
Turkey and Georgia describe their partnership as strategic, with close political, economic, and security ties. This is evident in shared infrastructure projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway, which is key to the "Middle Corridor" linking Asia and Europe for trade.
The trilateral mechanism also emphasizes increased bilateral trade—with an aim to grow trade between Turkey and Georgia from $3 billion to $5 billion annually—and cooperation in the defense industry.
Iran's role in these mechanisms comes mainly through its participation in a broader 3+3 regional framework to address regional security issues without foreign interference. Iran stresses that any infrastructure or development projects near its borders should respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity and warns against foreign intervention that could undermine regional security.
These mechanisms contribute to enhancing regional security coordination, supporting economic integration and trade connectivity via infrastructure projects like the Middle Corridor and BTK railway, facilitating diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution efforts, and promoting the safe return of displaced populations, such as the Ahıska Turks.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey's support for the dignified and safe return of Ahıska Turks to their homeland during his meetings with President Kavelashvili. The leaders also addressed key regional crises, including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, during their talks.
Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Georgia were formalized with the signing of a protocol on May 21, 1992, and Turkey recognized Georgia's independence on Dec. 16, 1991. The countries maintain embassies in each other's capitals, with Turkey operating a consulate general in Batumi, while Georgia has consulates general in Istanbul and Trabzon, which is located on the border with Georgia.
The leaders emphasized that the trilateral mechanisms established in foreign policy and security have been contributing to regional stability. They also plan to hold a meeting of the three parliamentary speakers once their legislatures reconvene.
In summary, these trilateral and multilateral mechanisms represent ongoing diplomatic and economic collaboration designed to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in a historically volatile region by integrating transport, energy, security, and development initiatives under mutual strategic goals. Iran remains cautious about external influences while pursuing constructive regional cooperation within these frameworks.
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