ISTANBUL

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday welcomed investments in his country from the United Arab Emirates, as he held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an official visit to the Gulf nation.

A statement by the Georgian government’s press service said the meeting between Kobakhidze and the UAE president focused on various issues regarding bilateral cooperation, as well as the positive dynamic in deepening investment and economic ties between Tbilisi and Abu Dhabi.

He said the Georgian government welcomes UAE investments in his country, adding that they also welcome the interest of major development and logistics companies to invest in Georgia.

“In this context, the large investment of Abu Dhabi Ports Group in the Tbilisi Dry Port project -- expected to open officially in 2025 -- was emphasized, and so was the successful completion of negotiations with EMAAR, a major developer, as a result of which multi-billion investments will be made in Georgia,” the statement said.

It also said the Georgian government conveyed its interest in continuing negotiations with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to further expand cooperation in terms of strategic logistics and transport projects.

“Attention in the meeting was also paid to regional challenges,” the statement said, adding that Kobakhidze invited Al Nahyan to visit Georgia.

Kobakhidze arrived on an official visit to Abu Dhabi on Sunday and also held talks with UAE Tolerance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.