On December 7, 2022, a meeting was held in the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan with the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation, which arrived in our country on a visit, headed by the Chairman of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova.

Warmly welcoming the Azerbaijani colleagues, the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan G. Mammedova congratulated the guests on the International Day of Neutrality, emphasizing the importance of the current meeting, held on the eve of this wonderful holiday.

During the meeting, which was held with the participation of the heads of the committees, the state and prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation, the possibilities of intensifying the exchange of experience in the field of lawmaking were discussed.

After the meeting in a narrow format, the Chairman of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan addressed the deputies.

Giving the floor to the guest, Speaker of the Mejlis G. Mammedova acquainted the deputies with the biography of the head of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, emphasizing that thanks to the active support of the Presidents of the two states, all conditions have been created for the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Addressing the audience, S. Gafarova noted that her first visit to Ashgabat coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Speaker of the Parliament of a friendly country emphasized the commonality of our peoples, who have lived in the neighborhood for centuries and have a common history, culture, language, and religion.

As the Speaker of the National Parliament said, Azerbaijan fully supports the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan, President Ilham Aliyev invariably emphasizes that fraternal Turkmenistan has achieved great success by following this principle in its foreign policy.

Touching upon the subject of further development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the significance of the current visit to Ashgabat, S. Gafarova stated that today successful contacts have been established between various organizations of the two countries, including with legislative bodies.

At the end of her speech, Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan S. Gafarova thanked the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh G. Mammedova and all the participants of the meeting for their attention and hospitality.

On behalf of the deputies of the Mejlis of the Milli Gengesh, G. Mammedova expressed her gratitude to the guest for a meaningful speech, wishing the Speaker of the Parliament of the friendly country and Azerbaijani colleagues further success in their activities that meet the goals of common well-being and prosperity.

On December 7, 2022, the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Russian Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Moscow under the chairmanship of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexei Overchuk.

During the meeting, a thorough exchange of views took place on the progress and prospects of the Turkmen-Russian trade and economic cooperation. It was emphasized that in recent years it has been given a strong impetus to that cooperation, and today it is developing especially dynamically and consistently, on a mutually beneficial and equal basis.

The talks confirmed the mutual interest in expanding partnership in various fields and entering new promising areas. Among them, such areas as the fuel and energy complex, transport, industry, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and a number of other areas were named as priorities. Due attention was paid to the development of cultural and humanitarian interaction.

The heads of delegations noted the existence of a significant potential for saturating and enriching the entire bilateral complex of cooperation on a long-term basis, in accordance with the instructions of the Presidents of the two countries and the logic of strategic partnership relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation.

As a result of the two-day visit of the delegation of Turkmenistan to Russia, 15 bilateral documents were signed, including the Program of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation for 2023-2024, as well as agreements in the economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres.

Within the framework of the visit, a number of meetings were held between the relevant ministries and state agencies of the two countries.

The 15th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week opened Tuesday in China's Guizhou Province. Participants exchange ideas on themes including cooperation in the sustainable development of education and education in the post-pandemic era.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

In the framework of the International Conference “Global Cooperation of Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan for the sake of Peace and Trust” that took place on the 15th of April 2021 in Ashgabat, a plenary session on the topic of “Cooperation for the sake of Peace and Security” was held. The event was held in hybrid format in the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The moderator of the session was the Deputy Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Philippe Saprykin.

The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Director of the UN Regional Office for the Coordination of Sustainable Development Gwi Yeop Son, UN Women’s Global Chief of Women, Peace and Security Paivi Kaarina Kannisto, Regional Representative for Central Asia, UNODC Ashita Mittal,  IOM Regional Coordinator for Migration for Central Asia, Head of IOM Missions in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Zeynal Hajiyev, Head of the Regional Office for Central Asia, ICRC Sangeeta Koenig, Regional Representative for Central Asia, UNDRR Abdurahim Muhidov and the Subregional Coordinator of Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Viorel Gutu gave speeches at the session.

The issues of expanding cooperation on sustenance of security and stability on the regional and international levels were thoroughly discussed. 

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expressed clear position of Turkmenistan in the processes of sustaining peace and security through political and diplomatic methods, preventive diplomacy and strengthening of cooperation between the relevant departments of the countries of the region. Special emphasis was made on the work of Turkmenistan on strengthening regional and interregional collaboration, promotion of dialogue in the framework and under the auspices of the United Nations and other large and respected international organizations.      

The participants discussed the matters of Afghanistan where active participation of the Turkmen side in the implementation of large-scale infrastructural projects on the territory of Afghanistan was highlighted.  The significance of widening humanitarian cooperation in the region was underlined.    

The parties discussed the collaboration on the platform of the UN on the implementation of joint projects and programs, including those aimed at the resolution of the migration issues.

The joint efforts in the area of countering crime and drug trafficking, responding to emergencies, including the decrease of the natural disasters risks were discussed. 

On December 16, 2020, the first meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025 was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

 The meeting was attended by the heads and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of more than 30 relevant ministries and departments of the country. The meeting was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, as well as the heads of the UN structural divisions in Ashgabat.

 At the opening of the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov noted the high level of multifaceted cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN. In particular, the Minister expressed confidence in that through joint efforts it will be possible to attain vast results in line with the present objectives and partnership spirit, as well as the long-term interests of Turkmenistan and the UN in the process of provision of sustainable development and stable progress. In this context, the importance of joint systemic works on the basis of medium-term and long-term programs and plans was highlighted.

As known, in March of this year, a new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025 was signed. Speaking at today’s session, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan E.Panova underlined the special attention and commitment of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to the development of strategic partnership with the UN on a wide range. She expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for assistance in the implementation of joint programs and projects aimed at the wellbeing of not only the people of Turkmenistan, but of the whole world.   

 At the meeting, the parties discussed the main achievements in the implementation of the current Cooperation Framework Program. Presentations were made by representatives of UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNFPA in Turkmenistan on the results of joint activities.

 Then an exchange of views took place on the implementation of the Cooperation Framework for the coming period. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of a "road map" for its implementation. The participants were familiarized with the presentation of the mechanisms of management and implementation of this Program, the strategy for its financing, as well as the plan for monitoring and evaluating the activities.

 The meeting participants agreed to consider in the first quarter of 2021 the UN Country Team's Joint Resource Mobilization Strategies, as well as recommendations and proposals for financing the Cooperation Framework Program and mobilizing resources for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the national level.

Upon completion of the meeting, the Protocol of the first meeting of the Steering Committee was signed which reflects the practical measures for the implementation of the given Framework Programme.

On March 14, 2020, the presentation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025 was held in the hotel “Yildiz.”

The given document is aimed to promote further collaboration between Turkmenistan and the UN in different areas, including the maintenance of economic stability and growth, protection of social rights of the population, enhancement of the healthcare system and preservation of ecological balance.    

At the beginning of the ceremony, an exhibition of books created on the base of invaluable wisdom of the national Leader was held in the lobby of the building. It is noteworthy that the multivolume work of the Head of State “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan” took a separate place at the exhibition. The first volume of this book in detail describes the use of "yuzarlik" and pepper, the preparation of medicine from them and the features of their use.

The heads and representatives of a number of ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, including the Parliament (Mejlis), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of Turkmenistan, law enforcement agencies, Institute of State, Law and Democracy of Turkmenistan, as well as the heads and representatives of the diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, representatives of public organizations, local and foreign journalists participated to the event. 

In their speeches, speakers noted that the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025, focuses more on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It was also emphasized that the new Cooperation Framework involves the participation of more UN agencies in its implementation than the current one. This is a clear evidence of the expansion of Turkmenistan’s interaction with UN specialized agencies and a multifaceted approach to solving common problems through the use of best practices and recommendations of international partners.

The signing ceremony of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations for 2021-2025 took place in the course of the presentation.  

Afterwards, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov and the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Elena Panova made an address to mass media.

During the address, they reiterated the constructive character of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN structures and underlined that the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework will serve as a guide for joint actions of the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system till 2025.

It was also stated that the Cooperation Framework confirms the common view and partnership between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN system, while demonstrating joint strive for development of prosper, inclusive and sustainable Turkmenistan. 

As part of the First Caspian Forum, a meeting has been held by high-ranking transport officials from the coastal nations, which are the parties to the Agreement on Transport Cooperation between Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.

Worked out on the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the document was submitted at the 2014 Fourth Caspian Summit in the city of Astrakhan, the Russian Federation and signed at the 2018 Fifth Caspian Summit in the city of Aktau, the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted that today each coastal nation is implementing large-scale projects aimed to build modern sea, road, rail and air transport infrastructure to ensure passenger and freight operations.

Optimum use of the existing transcontinental routes and creation of new international transport corridors in the Caspian Sea will spur further socio-economic development of the neighboring countries, increase their investment opportunities, and strengthen regional and interregional trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian relations, and tourism.

Undertaking massive projects designed to build modern infrastructure of universal significance, setting up sustainable logistics systems used by national transport operators, providing a wider spectrum of services will undoubtedly enhance the regional and interregional trade-economic relations.

Rapid tourism development opens up new vistas for the sector, in particular, with new destinations, itineraries, and cruises in the Caspian Sea to be on offer. This will accelerate the littoral states’ economic growth and improve the nations’ wellbeing.

Detailed discussions centered on making joint efforts to build necessary port infrastructure facilities and to expand the partnership.

Each country, including Turkmenistan, has all necessary facilities to promptly transport goods, using intermodal routes between Europe, Asia and the Far East.

In this context, the opening of the International Turkmenbashi Seaport is seen as a landmark event. Making the most of its facilities will allow the littoral countries to take the cooperation on a new level, speeding up their integration into the international system of economic relations, and increasing Turkmenistan’s role in the continental multimodal transport services.

The meeting also focused on Turkmenistan’s transport infrastructure potential, specifics of large-size and heavy-weight cargo deliveries to the Caspian Sea region by different modes of transport, and transit operations to Central Asia via our country.

As noted, the International Seaport boasts necessary facilities to handle refrigerated containers and a 9,000-square-meter covered storage site. The terminal is capable of bringing our country to the fore of the region’s export-import freight operations.

The multimodal port is able to store and handle containerized air, road and rail freight (including freight loading and uploading operations).

Thus, our country is making a major contribution to expanding international cooperation in the transport and communications sector – the important segment of the world economy.

Summing up the meeting, the experts stated that much preparatory work had been done in all the key areas of cooperation in the Caspian Sea. The parties stressed the need for the littoral states to take necessary steps to finalize their national procedures and to bring the Agreement on Transport Cooperation into force.

The meeting culminated in the signing of the relevant document aimed to boost traditional relations between the region’s countries that have every possibility of forging the partnership in the transport sphere.

The state news agency of Turkmenistan

As part of the First Caspian Economic Forum, Avaza has hosted a meeting of representatives of sectoral agencies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan - the parties to the Agreement between the Governments of the littoral Caspian nations on trade-economic cooperation, signed at the Fifth Caspian Summit in Aktau in 2018.

As noted, given the existing global geopolitical context, a mechanism for regional cooperation is attaining greater importance and topicality not only as an instrument for deepening economic interaction, but also as a key factor in ensuring sustainable development.

The heads of the visiting foreign delegations highlighted that the constructive cooperation among the coastal nations aims at combining efforts in order to accomplish the objectives. In the present era, the Caspian Sea has an increasingly important role to play in the global geopolitical and geo-economic landscape. Expanding steadily the full regional cooperation is entirely consistent with the five coastal countries’ policies.

The countries have adopted a ‘stability through common development’ approach as an optimal form of partnership that reflects economic needs of each Caspian Sea nation. In this context, it was noted that the forum is well timed taking place at exactly the right moment.

The participants shared an opinion that coordinated efforts are today taking on particular significance for macroregional cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, signed at the Fifth Caspian Summit in August 2018. The real value of this international treaty, which has become a strategically vital step in promoting economic development in the Caspian Sea, lies in the fact that it provides the legal groundwork for enhancing cooperation in different areas.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted that dealing with the pressing issues on the agenda would help to identify areas of common interest to further strengthen the mutually profitable relations. On the whole, further partnership between the region’s countries offers real prospects for maintaining rapid sustainable development and their integration into the world economy.

Amid growing competition in the foreign and domestic markets, the littoral countries’ considerable industrial and investment potential should be used to cement cooperation in tackling burning issues. Exchanging their views on the possibilities of boosting the constructive contacts, the heads of the delegations expressed satisfaction with the states’ mutual desire to step up economic relations, and create effective mechanisms for cooperation to make the Caspian Sea region an area of integrated partnership on an equitable and long-term basis with an investment-friendly climate. In this context, the parties spoke for implementing interstate programs and projects.

Those speaking from the Turkmen side stressed that the development of international ties in investment activities contributes to fulfilling our country’s versatile potential. Willingness of foreign investors to invest heavily in the national economy, which boasts good performance indicators, testifies to great trust placed in our country as a reliable, responsible and reputable partner that has enormous potential. In this regard, the sides discussed potentialities of creating joint enterprises.

In the course of the meeting, special attention was given to sharing knowledge and expertise on establishing and developing special free economic zones that have become an integral part of world economic relations today. The speakers emphasized that creation of free economic zones will boost competitiveness of the national economies, enhance export possibilities of the littoral states, and, eventually, bring prosperity and well-being to the nations.

The digital economy was named as a key area of cooperation. The sector is identified as a top priority and main focus of the coastal countries’ state policies. As noted, in this day and age, it is impossible to imagine living without information technologies that have changed, facilitated and improved activities in different spheres, having opened up new market possibilities.

Digital infrastructure and advances in computer technologies create huge potential in the field of information systems, accelerating their widespread adoption in economic life, and forming the bedrock of the digital economy. In this respect, the meeting attendees considered implementing joint action plans in the sector. This will encourage the countries’ business and investment activities, helping to build up productive relationships.

The parties also recognized the advisability of sharing legislative acts, national standards, regulations and statistical data on trade-economic issues, having proposed to work out new agreements. The meeting also addressed the need to simplify visa procedures as this would bring benefits and stimulate the region’s economic development in the long run.

The state news agency of Turkmenistan

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea is the most developed country in East Asia, according to Human Development Index. Its citizens enjoy a very high quality of life; have the highest individual income and average salary in Asia, and the eighth largest family income in the world. The country is the world's leading healthcare quality and business simplicity among leading countries. It is also one of the leading places in terms of education.

Recently Georgian-Korean relations are evolving and which is due to the great contribution of the Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Georgia and the Mr. Kim Se Woong – Charged Affair of the Embassy.

We asked him to talk about the Georgian-Korean relations, and Mr. Kim Se Woong agreed to give us an exclusive interview.

Mr. Ambassador, you have just arrived in Georgia. What is your first impression?

Before I express my impressions about Georgia, let me tell you that 10 years ago I worked in Baku and I was able to see your beautiful country even before. Of course I have heard a lot about Georgia before. Most importantly, I knew Stalin, Georgian wine, natural products and natural resources. And it is important to note that In Georgia people are very warm and hospitable.

What's the difference between 10 years ago Georgia and today?

First of all, it's obviously a eye-opener, it is an economic advance and a noticeable increase in the number of visitors. According to the last year, it was about 8 million tourists, which is 2.5 times higher than the population of Georgia. 

What can you tell us about the prospects of economic relations between Georgia and Korea?

To look at this issue in terms of economic cooperation, we cannot say that cooperation between the two countries is at the highest level. I want to say that according to the today's data is of great potential for strengthening cooperation. First of all, your country is a fast developing country. As you know Korea has been strengthened after the Civil War. Therefore, we are trying to help your country in economic growth. Of course, it is of interest to invest in the economy of your country. Recently, On behalf of the Government of Georgia, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia Mr. Otar Berdzenishvili and Mr. Lee Tae-Ho - Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the of the Republic of Korea, signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Georgia in regards to the Economic Development and Cooperation". This Agreement is a Framework Agreement which defines the key principles for the allocation of loans to Georgia from the Korea Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF). Within the framework of the Agreement, the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund will be responsible for financing various projects in Georgia through Korea "Eximbank". It is noteworthy that additional agreements will be signed for financing each project within the framework of the proposed agreement, which will determine the financial terms of the loan. Consequently, this Agreement will facilitate deepening cooperation between Georgia and the Republic of Korea. Therefore, all this suggests that South Korea is ready to discuss all your proposals for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Not only economic relations are also important for us, but we also pay much attention to the development of cooperation on the political level. As you know, in 2016 the speaker of the two countries met with each other and talked about deepening relations. In 2017 we celebrated 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Tbilisi.

Which project will you outline in the field of cooperation in Georgian-Korean relations?

Of course, this is the project of the Nenskra hydropower project. The Nenskra Hydro Power Project project is the construction of the largest hydropower plant - in Georgia. The project will be implemented by JSC Nenskra Hydro, which was created in 2015 as a result of cooperation with the Korean Water Resources Corporation - K-Water (Investor) and JSC Partnership Fund. 280 MW Hydroelectric Power Plant will be distributed annually to Georgia at 1'200.00. Electricity will be supplied to the local market. Nenskra Hydro Power Project is being implemented BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) scheme, which envisages delivering free of ownership to Georgia in 36 years after entering the HPP. The HPP will start generating electricity from 2020, and the construction will be completed in 2021. Construction of Nenskra Hydro Power Plant is an important step towards Georgia's successful future, which will enable your country and population to improve energy security and improve local economic conditions. In addition, it should be noted that last year the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to 115 million dollars, which is 30 percent more than in 2017. Of course this is not a bad indicator, and we have the potential to increase our relationship. Also, the total volume of investments reached 40 million dollars and a 6 percent increase.

It is also a pleasure to see the potential of traveling between two countries. In 2017, for example, 7,2 thousand Korean tourists visited Georgia. Last year this figure was doubled and reached 13 thousand. According to the Georgian National Tourism Agency, this is the first result of comparison with other countries when the number of tourists doubled during one year. This fact indicates that the interest towards Georgia in Korea is sharply rising. And not only to Georgia. Everyone knows that Korean citizens love to travel too. For example, last year, 25 million people from around 50 million Korean nationals traveled to different parts of the world. One of the characteristic features of the Korean population is that they are looking for new and interesting countries and we can say that Georgia is in their one of the best interests.

Increasing the number of tourists in Georgia will also help to launch more air flights. Last year, three charter flights were made between Seoul and Tbilisi, and this year it will double. It is also possible to have the direct airline (Seoul-Tbilisi-Seoul) and negotiations are ongoing intensively between the respective agencies of the two countries.

How is the relationship between the two countries developing in the field of education?

Yes, as you know at the Free University of Georgia, there is a Korean language study section where 60 Georgian students are learning Korean. Of course they are willing to go to Korea and continue their studies in a Institute of Korea. Last year, the Korean Embassy provided a scholarship in Georgia and sent 3 Georgian students to study in Korea. Also, at least 3 students in Korea will be financed by our state in the current year. In addition, there is an International Center for Educational Studies at the Ministry of Education of Korea, which also accepts students from diffferent countries to continue their studies in Korea. We also have a Korean language academy that not only invites students but also sends professors and teachers in other countries to teach Korean language to the foreign students. Georgia has already reached an agreement that they will send a teacher this year, who will teach Korean to Georgian students at the Free University. The Korean professor will stay in Georgia for two years.          We also have information that soon Korean Language coruses will be opened at the Ilia State University. All this points to the fact that Korea is becoming popular and the interest in the study of Korean language increases sharply in the field of history, music and traditions.

As for the cooperation in the field of culture, the relationship develops more fruitfully. Last year the Korean Culture Festival was held, and later Koreans working in Georgia (up to 120) held a music festival at the Free University of Georgia.

It is also worth noting that not only Georgians learn Korean, but Korean students also started studying Georgian language in Seoul. Otar Berdzenishvili, the Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Korea, has contributed greatly to this. He has organized these courses. It is welcome that relations between Georgia and Korea are becoming more and more evident. I hope these relationships will continue and the number of cultural events will increase sharply.

As for the current year's plans. What can can you tell us about it?

The round of political consultations will be held in Tbilisi in the current year and a high-ranking official will attend from the the Korean Foreign Ministry. In addition, in the first half of 2019, a high level visit will be held at the ministerial level.

At the end of our conversation, we can not finish the Interview without askin about the issue of denuclearization and peace keeping in the Korean peninsula. What does the Korean government do in this regard?

As you know, the next round of negotiations between the North and South Korean leaders is underway with the support of the President of the United States. We hope these meetings will continue for the year end too. All this suggests that the process of disarmament and peace keeping is irreversible and we are confident that we will achieve our ultimate goal of achieving the peace. I would also like to thank the Government of Georgia for its support to the peace process between South and North Korea. Of course, we support the territorial integrity of Georgia and the peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

Interview prepared by Avtandil Otinashvili

Translated by Lika Kaladze

Within the frames of the visit of the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, George Kobulia, to the Republic of Korea, an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Georgia on Economic Cooperation was signed. 

The Agreement was signed by the Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Lee Tae-ho and the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Genadi Arveladze. The Agreement will become effective in 30 days. 

With the Agreement, the Republic of Korea and Georgia agreed to explore the possibility of joint projects in areas of mutual interest, including investment, trade, tourism and industry, and to continue to strengthen economic cooperation, including people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Georgia and the Republic of Korea will establish a joint committee to effectively implement the Agreement and to explore ways to increase economic cooperation between the two countries. The Commission will discuss the existing bilateral trade and economic relations and possibilities and opportunities for enhanced cooperation in different sectors.

The Agreement between Georgia and the Republic of Korea is targeted at expanding the economic cooperation between the two countries, including the facilitation of the Korean companies to expand their presence in Georgia.

“This Agreement will be another contributing factor to the growth of the foreign trade turnover and the development of the trade and economic cooperation. It will encourage entrepreneurs in to enter the market and implement new investment projects,” – George Kobulia, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated after the signing of the Agreement.

Georgia and the Republic of Korea also agreed to start negotiations on conclusion of the Korea-Georgia Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement at a mutually convenient time.