Vietnam and Georgia are set to deepen their bilateral cooperation following discussions between Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi on October 12. The talks focused on enhancing trade, investment, and various sectors such as tourism, education, and infrastructure.
Highlighting the significant progress in their economic relations, Kobakhidze noted that bilateral trade has increased sixfold over the past five years. Additionally, the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Georgia saw a 41% rise in the first half of 2026. Both leaders expressed interest in improving transport links, including considering the launch of direct flights between the two nations.
Vice President Xuân emphasized the need for stronger diplomatic exchanges and better market access for Vietnamese products. She identified key areas for potential collaboration, including agriculture, food processing, infrastructure, innovation, tourism, and education. Xuân also advocated for enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening defense and security cooperation and pledged to coordinate efforts in international organizations such as the United Nations. They also discussed expanding connections between Vietnam, Georgia, and ASEAN member states.
During the visit, the two countries celebrated the signing of cooperation memorandums between their foreign ministries and other relevant authorities. They also called for progress on agreements related to investment protection, double taxation avoidance, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Both Xuân and Kobakhidze expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, agreeing to plan activities to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.