President of Georgia pays first visit to Erdoğan in official meeting
In August 2025, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili visited Turkey, marking a significant moment in the robust and expanding strategic partnership between the two nations [1][2][3][4]. This partnership, rooted in economic cooperation, strong diplomatic ties, and regional security collaboration, has been a cornerstone of their joint development goals for many years.
Trade relations are a central pillar of this partnership. Turkey, Georgia's largest trading partner since 2007, has seen trade volumes exceed $3 billion, with both countries aiming to increase this to $5 billion in the near future [1][2][3][4]. Over 2,000 Turkish companies operate in Georgia, with direct Turkish investments approaching $2.5 billion. Turkish construction companies are particularly active in Georgia's investment and infrastructure projects, having implemented more than 300 large projects worth billions [1][2][3][4].
Diplomatic and regional cooperation is another key focus, with both nations working closely through trilateral mechanisms with Azerbaijan, particularly in foreign policy and security. They plan to host meetings of their trilateral foreign ministers and parliamentary speakers to sustain momentum [2][5].
Key regional infrastructure projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, further strengthen their ties. Launched in 2017, this 826 km freight and passenger link is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between East and West, facilitating trade and regional integration [1][2][3][4]. Both leaders emphasized the importance of this railway reaching full operational capacity.
Defense and military sectors are also a significant agenda item, reflecting broader regional security interests. Turkey supports Georgia on complex regional issues, including the safe return of Ahıska (Meskhetian) Turks displaced in 1944 [3][5].
Historically, Turkey recognized Georgia’s independence in 1991 and formalized diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, bilateral ties have grown steadily, rooted in a shared border, historical-cultural connections, and mutual strategic interests in the South Caucasus region [5].
In addition to these aspects, Turkey and Georgia cooperate on preferential EU export access through the Diagonal Cumulation mechanism. Citizens of both countries enjoy visa-free travel using national identity cards under a 2011 protocol. Georgia provides Turkey with a critical land corridor to the Caspian Basin and Central Asia, bypassing Russia and Iran, offering a strategic advantage in energy transit and regional connectivity [1][2][3][4].
Ankara supports Georgia's territorial integrity and does not recognize the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Another bilateral issue is the return process of the Ahıska Turks to their homeland. The visit included a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara [1][2][3][4].
Turkey is also active in the Türkiye-Georgia-Azerbaijan trilateral mechanism, launched in 2014. This format, inaugurated in 2018, contributes to regional stability, peace, and prosperity [5].
In summary, Turkey and Georgia maintain a strategic, neighborly partnership with deep political, economic, and regional ties. Their collaboration on major energy and transport projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, underscores their commitment to joint development goals. As they continue to strengthen their partnership, both nations look forward to a future of increased trade, diplomatic cooperation, and regional stability.
[1] [News Source 1] [2] [News Source 2] [3] [News Source 3] [4] [News Source 4] [5] [News Source 5]
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