Georgian premier hails ‘friendly’ ties with Turkey

By Davit Kachkachishvili

TBILISI (AA) – Georgia’s prime minister on Monday hailed his country’s ties with Turkey and said they should be further strengthened.

“We have very close, friendly and brotherly relations with Turkey," Irakli Garibashvili said in a speech broadcast live on Georgia’s Imedi TV channel, adding he considers Turkey one of the key countries in the region.

"Turkey is of course a very important player in the region and we are happy with the strategic partnership. We need to maintain, strengthen and deepen these relations. I am doing everything in this direction. And I'm glad that the president of Turkey (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) has the same approach," he said.

Noting that it is not possible to develop trade, the economy and energy projects in the region without strong cooperation, Garibashvili said "I think today is a very good chance to further strengthen this relationship."

Garibashvili also commented on his country’s domestic and foreign policies in 2021 as well as economic reforms and other issues.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas