The Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, visited Romania and Bulgaria between 15-17 April to discuss the prospects of cooperation in the Black Sea.

In Romania, Bakhtadze met with the Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila to discuss the enhancement of bilateral and regional cooperation between the two countries. In a public statement after the meeting, Bakhtadze said that Romania is “an outstanding partner” for Georgia, and that the two countries are connected by “special bonds”, highlighting that the dialogue between the two countries is conducted on “the highest level,” but the two countries still need to untap the full economic potential of the Black Sea region.

“The Black Sea offers us unique opportunities to play a greater role not only in the development of bilateral relations, but also in deepening our economic relations with other countries,” Bakhtadze said, adding that the European and Euro-Atlantic security “cannot be imagined without security in the Black Sea region.” He then stressed the importance of intensified cooperation between Georgian and Romanian ports, “particularly in light of the fact that we are building a deep sea port in Georgia, which will open up an entirety of new opportunities for economic cooperation.”

The Prime Minister of Romania said that Georgia “will continue to be a friendly country and a partner for Romania.” She also expressed the Romanian government’s “firm support” of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the topic of the security issues on the Black Sea she stressed that these are “a matter of utmost concern to both states,” and that Georgia’s stability and security “are essential to the security and stability of the entire Black Sea region.” She also said the Romanian government will further promote bilateral relations in the fields of business, tourism and transport.

In Bulgaria, Bakhtadze met with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov to discuss infrastructure projects in the Black Sea region. They announced a large-scale digital project that includes the installation of a new optic cable in the Black Sea which will allow access to high-speed internet.

“We should support all infrastructure projects regarding the development of a European transport network including the establishment of digital connections and applied communications of the optic cable between Bulgaria and Georgia,” stated Prime Minister Borisov, adding that Georgia can fully rely on the Bulgarian assistance during the project implementation. He also stressed Georgia’s large energy potential adding that Georgia’s hydro resources may serve as a foundation for other innovative projects.

Bakhtadze and Borisov agreed to “unite efforts” to maintain successful trade and economic relations as Bulgaria is in the top ten of Georgia’s trade partners. The future of ferry traffic development was also discussed. He also thanked the Bulgarian PM for supporting the territorial integrity of Georgia and its contribution to Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration process.