The development of the Middle Corridor and stronger transport links between Central Asia and Europe took center stage during talks between Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Bishkek.

The meeting marked the first official high-level visit by the Georgian prime minister to Kyrgyzstan in the 34-year history of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following the talks, the leaders signed a joint statement and a package of agreements aimed at boosting economic cooperation and expanding connectivity, The Caspian Post reports via News Georgia.

A key focus was the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which is expected to become a major component of the Middle Corridor trade route linking Asia and Europe while bypassing Russia.

Japarov said the railway has entered an active construction phase, with around 9,000 workers and more than 6,000 pieces of equipment already involved in the project. Once completed, the route is expected to significantly increase cargo flows through Kyrgyzstan and onward to Georgia’s Black Sea ports.

The Kyrgyz leader said that the project will strengthen trade and economic ties, enhance regional transit potential and improve the competitiveness of Eurasian transport corridors.

Kobakhidze said Georgia is closely following the railway’s progress and continues to invest heavily in its own transport infrastructure to support growing trade between Central Asia and Europe.

The sides also discussed launching direct flights between Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, a move expected to support tourism and business travel as people-to-people ties continue to grow.

Describing the visit as historic, Kobakhidze said it would give fresh momentum to bilateral relations, which he said are built on a strong foundation of friendship and partnership.

Despite a recent decline in trade volumes, tourism remains a bright spot in relations between the two countries. More than 21,500 visits by Kyrgyz citizens to Georgia were recorded in 2025, while discussions on direct air connections could further strengthen travel and economic exchanges in the years ahead.