Kazakhstan and Georgia Sign Program to Expand Middle Corridor Trade

Kazakhstan and Georgia reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor, during diplomatic meetings in Tbilisi on April 7. Yermek Kosherbayev, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister, and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili signed a Cooperation Program for 2026–2027 intended to increase the capacity, reliability, and tariff transparency of the route.

The initiative seeks to establish a strategic trade alternative between Asia and Europe. The ministers noted that Kazakh investments in Georgia have already exceeded $600 million, with a primary focus on the finance, logistics, and energy sectors. During the talks, Kosherbayev also promoted a proposal from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a United Nations-based International Water Organization to manage global water security.

Parallel to these bilateral talks, Georgian parliamentary officials emphasized that the necessity of the Middle Corridor has increased significantly, as it enables cargo destined for the European Union to pass through Georgia from the East. This regional development has led to calls for elevating the strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan to the highest level to facilitate the implementation of these strategic projects.