Georgia, Tajikistan sign cooperation deals during Kobakhidze's historic visit

Georgia and Tajikistan signed a joint communiqué and a package of bilateral agreements on Friday aimed at expanding economic cooperation, strengthening transport links and boosting political ties during Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's visit to Dushanbe.

The agreements, signed following talks between Kobakhidze and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, include plans to establish an intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation and launch regular direct flights between Tbilisi and Dushanbe, News.Az reports, citing News Georgia.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation across a range of economic sectors. Kobakhidze acknowledged that economic interaction between the countries has remained limited despite traditionally friendly relations and said there was significant potential for growth.

"We have historically enjoyed special relations based on mutual respect," he said, adding that the visit would help unlock new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

According to statements made after the talks, Georgia and Tajikistan plan to develop industrial cooperation in the mining and metallurgical sectors, light industry, processing industries and e-commerce.

In addition to agriculture, a traditional area of cooperation in the region, Rahmon identified technological innovation as a priority, including collaboration in artificial intelligence and the development of a green economy.

International issues also featured prominently during the discussions.

Kobakhidze thanked Tajikistan for supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

"I would like to thank the Tajik side for its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders," he said.

According to News Georgia, the comments come despite differences between diplomatic rhetoric and voting patterns at the United Nations.

Tajikistan recently abstained from voting on a resolution regarded as important by Tbilisi that reaffirmed the right of Georgian refugees and internally displaced persons to return to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

Kobakhidze focused his public remarks on the economic, logistical and transit potential of cooperation and did not address concerns raised by international human rights organisations regarding Tajikistan's domestic situation.

Rahmon accepted an invitation to visit Georgia on a return visit.

"Thank you for the invitation to visit Georgian soil. I will certainly take advantage of it at the first suitable opportunity," the Tajik president said.

Kobakhidze arrived in Tajikistan on Friday for a two-day visit that has been described as historic, marking the first visit by a Georgian leader to the Central Asian country since diplomatic relations were established 32 years ago.

"Today, the first high-level visit from Georgia to the Republic of Tajikistan took place. Accordingly, this visit can be assessed as historic in its content. I am confident that it will elevate bilateral relations to a new level," Kobakhidze said.

News.Az