In a bid to enhance their bilateral relations, Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met in Tbilisi on October 12 to discuss expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, and infrastructure. The talks underscored a mutual commitment to strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia’s dedication to fostering economic relations with Vietnam, noting the significant increase in bilateral trade, which has grown sixfold in the last five years. He also highlighted a 41% rise in Vietnamese visitors to Georgia in the first half of 2026, reflecting the growing interest in tourism between the two countries. Both leaders showed interest in improving transport connections, including the potential establishment of direct flights.
Vice President Xuân advocated for stronger diplomatic exchanges and better market access for Vietnamese products. She identified potential areas for collaboration, such as agriculture, food processing, infrastructure development, innovation, tourism, and education. Xuân also encouraged closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges to further solidify the relationship between the two nations.
The dialogue extended to defense and security cooperation, as well as coordination in international organizations like the United Nations. Additionally, they discussed expanding connections between Vietnam, Georgia, and ASEAN member states. The visit was marked by the signing of cooperation memorandums between the foreign ministries and agricultural and environmental authorities of both countries.
Progress on agreements covering investment protection, double taxation avoidance, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders was also encouraged. Both Xuân and Kobakhidze expressed optimism about the future of their bilateral relations and agreed to plan activities to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.