Vietnam and Georgia are taking steps to deepen their bilateral relations, as Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi on October 12. The discussions centered around expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and infrastructure. This meeting marks a significant effort by both nations to harness their complementary strengths and build on their growing economic relations.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia’s dedication to enhancing ties with Vietnam, noting the impressive sixfold increase in bilateral trade over the past five years. Additionally, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Georgia surged by 41% in the first half of 2026, indicating a burgeoning interest in tourism between the two countries. Both leaders expressed a shared interest in improving transport links, including the potential establishment of direct flights to facilitate greater connectivity.
Vice President Xuân emphasized the need for stronger diplomatic exchanges and improved market access for Vietnamese products. She advocated for increased business cooperation and identified key sectors such as agriculture, food processing, infrastructure, innovation, tourism, and education as areas ripe for collaboration. Xuân also encouraged fostering closer cultural ties and enhancing people-to-people exchanges to further solidify the relationship between the two nations.
In addition to economic and cultural initiatives, the leaders agreed to bolster cooperation in defense and security. They also underscored the importance of coordination at international platforms like the United Nations and expressed their intention to expand connections between Vietnam, Georgia, and ASEAN member states.
The visit saw the signing of several cooperation memorandums between the countries’ foreign ministries and their agricultural and environmental authorities. Furthermore, there is a push for progress on agreements covering investment protection, double taxation avoidance, and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Looking ahead, both Vietnam and Georgia are optimistic about the future of their bilateral relations. The two countries have agreed to organize activities to mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2027, signaling a continued commitment to collaboration and mutual growth.