Historic visit: a new stage of strategic partnership and geo-economic growth

This historic visit, the first of its kind in the last 23 years, clearly demonstrated the common political will, economic potential and geostrategic goals of the two countries. The Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership Relations signed in Tbilisi and the awarding of the Head of State with the highest Georgian award - the Order of the Golden Fleece - are the highest recognition of this trust.

This meeting, which took place after a long break, will serve as a powerful driver for the economies of Uzbekistan and Georgia. In recent years, the volume of mutual trade has reached $ 270 million, and now a “road map” has been adopted to increase this figure to $ 1 billion in the coming years. The successful operation of Georgia's leading bank TBC in Uzbekistan, the establishment of direct flights from Tashkent to Tbilisi and Batumi, indicate a solid foundation.

At the current stage, the signed Cooperation Program in the pharmaceutical, chemical industry, electrical engineering, digital technologies and tourism sectors until 2027 will give a new impetus to the development of the two countries. The establishment of a joint Investment Fund to support business projects and the establishment of an embassy of Uzbekistan in Georgia indicate the strengthening of ties at the institutional level.

The most important geoeconomic aspect of this visit is related to the development of transit and transport corridors connecting the regions of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Uzbekistan needs diversified transport routes to bring its products to the world market. In this sense, the active use of the infrastructure of the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, the plan to create a logistics hub and industrial zone for Uzbek products there will completely change interregional trade.

The initiative put forward by the head of our state to integrate the newly launched Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway with the under-construction China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway will serve to revive the Great Silk Road in a modern format. This will make not only Uzbekistan or Georgia, but also the entire Central Asia and Caucasus regions an integral and safest part of the global supply chain.

Also, for Uzbekistan, this visit is a logical continuation of the active and open foreign policy pursued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Our country has gained a reliable and strategic partner in the Caucasus region, which is considered the gateway to Europe and the Middle East. In addition to political and economic interests, naming one of the parks in the center of Tbilisi after our beloved poet Alisher Navoi is a symbol of boundless respect for the Uzbek people and culture.

In short, the state visit of our President to Georgia has opened a new era in bilateral relations. This cooperation will serve to ensure the national interests of Uzbekistan, increase the well-being of two friendly peoples, and ensure sustainable economic development in the wider region.

Muharram DADAKHUJAYEVA,

Chairman of the Tashkent City Council of the “Adolat” Social Democratic Party.

UzA