Minister Bayraktar attended the Georgia Independence Day reception

Minister Bayraktar attended the Georgia Independence Day reception hosted by Georgia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili at the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul.

Shared Vision

Speaking at the event, Minister Bayraktar stated that Türkiye and Georgia share a unique partnership built on strong friendship, mutual trust, good neighborliness, and a shared vision for regional peace. Noting that cooperation between Türkiye and Georgia spans a broad spectrum ranging from trade and the economy to energy, health, tourism, transportation, education, the defense industry, and cultural relations, Minister Bayraktar said, “The multidimensional nature of our partnership continues to grow stronger day by day, expanding into new areas and sectors.” Recalling that over 100 high-level visits took place between Türkiye and Georgia throughout 2025, Minister Bayraktar stated that this positive momentum has carried over into 2026. 

Target: $5 Billion in Trade Volume

Minister Bayraktar noted that economic and commercial relations between Türkiye and Georgia have also followed an extremely positive trajectory, stating, “Türkiye has consistently maintained its position as Georgia’s largest trading partner since 2008. “Having already achieved our initial target of 3 billion dollars in bilateral trade volume, we firmly believe that we will reach our new target of 5 billion dollars in the shortest possible time,” he said.

Contributing to the Region’s Development and Prosperity

Minister Bayraktar stated, “As two countries serving as a strategic bridge between East and West, our cooperation benefits not only Türkiye and Georgia but also the development and prosperity of our broader region.”

Landmark Energy Projects

Minister Bayraktar noted that Türkiye and Georgia have demonstrated the power of working together through landmark energy projects that make significant contributions to regional stability, economic development, and energy security. Minister Bayraktar said, “Today, the global energy landscape is evolving faster than ever, shaped by rapid technological advancements, changing economic conditions, and geopolitical dynamics. In such a dynamic and challenging environment, our cooperation has become more vital than ever. Strategic initiatives such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Natural Gas Pipeline, and the Southern Gas Corridor initiative, which includes TANAP, stand as enduring symbols of our shared vision and long-standing successful partnership.”

Green Electricity Transmission and Trade Project

Noting that cooperation between the two countries is not limited to past successes but is continuously advancing with concrete steps in new regional initiatives, Minister Bayraktar said, “One of the most important examples of this is the Green Electricity Transmission and Trade Project.” “This visionary milestone will not only strengthen regional connectivity and energy security, but also accelerate the integration of renewable energy into our markets. As we navigate this rapidly changing energy landscape, we are fully committed to deepening our cooperation,” he said.

Minister Bayraktar noted that Türkiye will continue to support Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and prosperity, and congratulated the Georgian people on Independence Day. 

They Performed the National Anthem

At the reception, the Gori Women’s Choir, one of Georgia’s most distinguished women’s vocal ensembles, also gave a concert. The choir performed the National Anthem as part of the program.