Batumi is a new rallying point: Georgia turns the transit in Central Asia into a gateway to Europe In 2026, Georgia has significantly intensified relations with the countries of Central Asia. As Prime Minister Irkli Kobhidze stated, Tbilisi sees its goal as developing the transit function and exploiting economic potential by expanding ties with its neighbors - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and the Central Asian republics. Indeed, relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached the level of strategic partnership, and dozens of trade and transport agreements were signed with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and even neutral Turkmenistan. The interest is mutual: since November 2025, regular consultation meetings have been held between the heads of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, with the aim of strengthening ties along the East-West line. However, without Georgia this format loses its meaning, as an entry point to the European markets is needed. Georgia seems like an ideal partner: it is neutral, avoids conflicts, strengthens its sovereignty and already has the necessary infrastructure - the ports of Batumi, Puti, the oil tankers Kolvi and Supa, as well as Anaklia, which is under construction. While Iran is in a state of military readiness, and there is creeping militarization between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia remains a safe haven. The meeting of ministers in the format of Georgia + Central Asia, which took place in Batumi on October 23, became the starting point for the formalization of the dialogue. Foreign Minister Maka Bokhorishvili presented Georgia's capabilities to her colleagues. The launch of new transit corridors between Central Asia and the Black Sea region, as well as a road map for the harmonization of customs standards and the introduction of unified digital logistics systems for the smooth operation of the "Middle Corridor" were discussed. Bokhorishvili emphasized that this route connects Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea route, Europe, and coordination, infrastructure and political will are needed to realize its potential.

Batumi is a new rallying point: Georgia turns the transit in Central Asia into a gateway to Europe In 2026, Georgia has significantly intensified relations with the countries of Central Asia. As Prime Minister Irkli Kobhidze stated, Tbilisi sees its goal as developing the transit function and exploiting economic potential by expanding ties with its neighbors - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and the Central Asian republics. Indeed, relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached the level of strategic partnership, and dozens of trade and transport agreements were signed with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and even neutral Turkmenistan. The interest is mutual: since November 2025, regular consultation meetings have been held between the heads of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, with the aim of strengthening ties along the East-West line. However, without Georgia this format loses its meaning, as an entry point to the European markets is needed. Georgia seems like an ideal partner: it is neutral, avoids conflicts, strengthens its sovereignty and already has the necessary infrastructure - the ports of Batumi, Puti, the oil tankers Kolvi and Supa, as well as Anaklia, which is under construction. While Iran is in a state of military readiness, and there is creeping militarization between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia remains a safe haven. The meeting of ministers in the format of Georgia + Central Asia, which took place in Batumi on October 23, became the starting point for the formalization of the dialogue. Foreign Minister Maka Bokhorishvili presented Georgia's capabilities to her colleagues. The launch of new transit corridors between Central Asia and the Black Sea region, as well as a road map for the harmonization of customs standards and the introduction of unified digital logistics systems for the smooth operation of the "Middle Corridor" were discussed. Bokhorishvili emphasized that this route connects Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea route, Europe, and coordination, infrastructure and political will are needed to realize its potential.