Once again, I would like to assure my dear counterpart, Abdulla Aripov, of my deep appreciation for the brotherly and friendly relations between our countries which are constantly developing, and today’s visit by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan is a demonstration of this, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated at today’s one-on-one meeting with Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

On behalf of the Government and the Georgian people, the Prime Minister congratulated President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory in the recent election and wished success to Uzbekistan and the Uzbek people.

“I welcome my dear colleague, Prime Minster of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Abdulla Aripov. I am excited to be hosting my dear colleague in Tbilisi.

“I had a successful visit to Uzbekistan. I remember my colleague’s warmhearted welcome, and I am happy about his reciprocal visit.

“Once again, I would like to assure my dear colleague, Mr. Prime Minister, of my deep appreciation for the brotherly and friendly relations between our countries.

“These relations are constantly developing, and today’s visit by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan is a demonstration of this.

“I avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate, on behalf of our Government and our people, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his electoral victory. I wish success to Uzbekistan and the Uzbek people.

“Mr. Prime Minister, our relations are developing in every direction, and this is what we will discuss at today’s extended-format meeting. And today we will also sign a very important memorandum: the action plan, the roadmap for practical joint measures toward developing the bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Georgia.

“Once again, welcome! I am happy to see you,” Irakli Garibashvili said.

Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, thanked Irakli Garibashvili for a warm welcome and singled out today’s meeting as a logical continuation of the dialogue between the two countries that started a year ago, during Irakli Garibashvili’s visit to Uzbekistan.

“Greetings, Mr. Garibashvili! I am sincerely grateful to you and all our Georgian friends for such a friendly welcome.

“In the very first minutes after arriving in Georgia, I felt the traditional hospitality and genuine respectfulness characteristic of the Georgian people. This is my first visit to Georgia as Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.

“At the same time, today’s meeting is a logical continuation of our dialogue that started during your official visit to Uzbekistan a year ago.

“Thank you for your congratulations on the victory in the presidential election in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” Abdulla Aripov said.

The parties of the one-on-one meeting at the Government Administration discussed matters pertaining to the friendly bilateral relations and cooperation across a variety of areas between the two countries, which are grounded in the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.

Focus was made on the high level of political dialogue and the positive dynamic of high-level visits between the countries.

At the one-on-one meeting, the Prime Ministers discussed trade and economic cooperation. As Irakli Garibashvili underlined, the years 2021-2022 saw a significant growth in the bilateral trade turnover, Georgia considers the Republic of Uzbekistan as an important partner, and the country takes an interest in cooperation toward attracting investments and welcomes Uzbek investors.

The parties expressed readiness to tap into the full potential of economic cooperation and to promote deeper trade relations.

At the one-on-one meeting, the Prime Ministers also discussed Georgia’s transit potential and the importance of developing the Middle Corridor, and underscored the significance of promoting this transport route in the international format.

Cooperation toward sharing Georgia’s experience in reforming was discussed. According to Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia is ready to continue cooperating toward sharing experience in reforming with the Republic of Uzbekistan.