Central Asia and Georgia Discuss the Development of Transport and Economic Cooperation
Amul Info ·
On October 23, the first joint meeting of foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and Georgia was held in Batumi. Discussions focused on developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, modernizing port infrastructure, digitalizing logistics and expanding cooperation in…
On 23 October 2026, the first joint meeting of the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and Georgia was held in Batumi, Georgia. The meeting was attended by Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Georgia.
The meeting, held at the initiative of Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, addressed issues related to the development of interregional cooperation, the coordination of positions on key international agenda items and the strengthening of regional stability.
One of the main topics of discussion was expanding the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, which connects Asia and Europe. Participants exchanged views on improving the route’s competitiveness, modernizing seaport infrastructure, digitalizing logistics operations and facilitating transit procedures.
The Turkmen delegation put forward a number of proposals aimed at developing mutually beneficial cooperation between Central Asian countries and Georgia. These included strengthening engagement with international organizations such as the International Road Transport Union, the Organization for Cooperation between Railways and the International Maritime Organization.
Alongside transport and logistics, attention was also given to opportunities for cooperation in the telecommunications sector. Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of developing telecommunications infrastructure, including a project to lay a fibre-optic cable along a route connecting the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.
During the meeting, participants also familiarized themselves with the capabilities of the Batumi Sea Port. Ivane Abashidze, Director of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, provided information on the operation of the port and its terminal infrastructure, transit cargo transportation figures, as well as ongoing and planned projects. These include the development of the Anaklia deep-sea port.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss new prospects for developing economic, trade, transport and tourism ties between Central Asia and the Caucasus region. The regular organization of discussions in this format is intended to coordinate cooperation between the regions and strengthen transport and logistics connectivity across Eurasia.