Georgia, Türkiye discuss Baku‑Tbilisi‑Kars rail modernisation

Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvirikashvili and Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat held high‑level talks on the modernisation and imminent launch of the Baku‑Tbilisi‑Kars (BTK) railway on the sidelines of a trilateral business forum in Kakheti.

According to the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, both ministers underscored the strong state of bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, transport and logistics, tourism, energy and agriculture, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

The discussions placed particular emphasis on trade and economic ties. Türkiye remains one of Georgia’s most important economic partners, ranking first in terms of foreign trade volume with Georgia in 2025.

Kvirikashvili and Bolat also explored further avenues of cooperation, with civil aviation emerging as a priority. In 2025, air passenger traffic between the two countries grew by more than 14%, and, with support from the Georgian government, direct flights between the capitals of Tbilisi and Ankara have resumed after a prolonged hiatus.

The talks also addressed collaboration with airport operator TAV Georgia, which manages both Tbilisi and Batumi airports. The company plans to invest $150 million between 2027 and 2031 in expanding Tbilisi International Airport, targeting a capacity of 10 million passengers per year.

Transport and infrastructure projects that could enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and attract additional cargo flows were also highlighted. Officials reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Baku‑Tbilisi‑Kars railway, which is expected to be officially commissioned in the near future and significantly strengthen regional transport connectivity.

In addition, the ministers reviewed prospects for deeper cooperation in both land and maritime transport sectors.

By Sabina Mammadli