Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza, Turkmenistan, marking a new chapter in growing bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to the Georgian Government Administration, the leaders discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on the energy sector, including the strategic role of the Southern Gas Corridor in facilitating the transit of Turkmen natural gas to European markets. The conversation highlighted the mutual interest in enhancing energy connectivity and economic ties.
Both leaders also underlined the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, affirming their commitment to fostering a secure and cooperative environment in the wider Caspian and South Caucasus regions. As a symbol of growing diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Kobakhidze extended an official invitation to President Berdimuhamedow to pay an official visit to Georgia.
Georgia’s Role in Connecting Landlocked Nations
Prime Minister Kobakhidze is participating in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which brings together global leaders to address the development challenges faced by states without direct access to the sea. These countries often struggle with high transport costs, limited connectivity, and trade disadvantages that hinder their economic integration and development.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone in his opening speech, highlighting the urgent need for collective action: “Despite representing 7 per cent of the world’s population, LLDCs account for just over one per cent of the global economy and trade—a stark example of deep inequalities that perpetuate marginalization. These inequalities are not inevitable,” emphasizing that “this conference is not about obstacles. It is about solutions. It is about launching a new decade of ambition, through the Awaza Programme of Action and its deliverables, and fully unlocking the development potential of landlocked developing countries.”
Ahead of his speech at the conference, Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia’s strategic location as a crucial East-West transit corridor.
“[In my speech], I will emphasize Georgia’s strategic location and the country’s role as a vital corridor between East and West — a position that offers significant connectivity opportunities for the eight participating landlocked countries,” Kobakhidze stated.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
On the sidelines of the conference, Kobakhidze also held a bilateral meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov. The discussion focused on deepening regional cooperation in infrastructure development and trade facilitation, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhancing economic connectivity across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
By Team GT
