At a joint press briefing with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed the strength of the relationship between Türkiye and Georgia, describing the two nations as “not just neighbouring countries, but strategic partners united by deep historical, cultural, and human ties.”

President Erdoğan underscored the regional and global significance of the partnership, stating:
“Georgia and Türkiye cooperate for peace and development both in the region and beyond.”
He noted that both countries are key players in the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project — a crucial component of the Middle Corridor initiative — as well as in strategically vital oil and gas pipelines.

Türkiye, which has long been Georgia’s largest trading partner, recorded a trade turnover of $3 billion in recent years. Erdoğan revealed that both sides are now working toward increasing that figure to $5 billion.
Thousands of Turkish construction firms are currently active in Georgia, with over 300 major infrastructure projects already completed, highlighting Türkiye’s significant investment interest in the country.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments. President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s firm support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly within the framework of trilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Additionally, Erdoğan raised the issue of the dignified and safe return of Meskhetian Turks to their historical places of residence in Georgia.

On a lighter note, Erdoğan mentioned the upcoming football match between the national teams of Türkiye and Georgia, scheduled for September 4, which he described as a symbol of the friendly relations between the two nations.