Kyrgyz president says Georgian PM visit marks 'new stage'

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Bishkek on Friday, hailing the premier’s first official visit to the Central Asian nation as the start of a "new stage" in bilateral cooperation.

'New stage' in relations

"President Sadyr Japarov noted the particular significance of the current visit, which marks the first official visit of a Georgian official to Kyrgyzstan at such a high level and marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of Kyrgyz-Georgian relations," the Kyrgyz presidency said in a statement following the talks. Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan views Georgia as an important partner, with the two sides discussing expanded trade and economic ties.

Transport and logistics focus

The leaders paid special attention to transport connectivity and the development of transit potential, noting Georgia’s strategic position on the Black Sea. "President Sadyr Japarov noted that Georgia, with its unique geographical location and developed port infrastructure on the Black Sea, plays a key role in ensuring transport connectivity between Asia and Europe," the statement said, adding that the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project was highlighted as a key regional infrastructure initiative.

Agreements and future visits

Following the talks, the two sides signed nine documents and a joint statement affirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation. Kobakhidze invited Japarov to pay an official visit to Georgia, with the presidency noting that the Georgian prime minister arrived in Bishkek on Thursday for the first such high-level visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations.