Georgia seeks joint research center with Vietnam

The meeting took place as part of the top Vietnamese official’s official visit to Georgia from Monday to Wednesday.

Kavelashvili described the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen political trust and deepen mutual understanding between the two countries, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He reaffirmed Georgia’s appreciation for its relationship with Vietnam and expressed a strong desire to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.

He also stressed that more frequent exchanges, high-level contacts and a stronger diplomatic presence in each other’s territory would help further advance bilateral ties.

The Georgian president highlighted Georgia’s potential as a regional connectivity hub, particularly in infrastructure and economic corridors.

Describing his country as a beautiful, friendly and welcoming destination, he said Georgia hoped to attract more Vietnamese tourists and businesses interested in exploring investment and trade opportunities, particularly in energy and logistics.

Vice President Xuan said the two countries could capitalize on their respective strengths and potential to develop a more substantive and effective partnership, particularly in the fields of economics, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

She called for stronger exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels and through various channels to consolidate political trust and generate momentum for broader cooperation.

She also emphasized the need to continue refining the legal framework governing bilateral relations and promote cooperation agreements in areas of mutual interest.

The top Vietnamese official urged Georgia’s leadership to continue supporting Vietnamese firms by facilitating their efforts to explore the local market and participate in investment and business projects in the country.

Vietnam was ready to create favorable conditions for Georgian businesses to establish connections, explore market opportunities and pursue investment cooperation in Vietnam, she said.

Both sides agreed on measures to strengthen ties across a broad range of areas, including politics, diplomacy, security, defense, economics, trade, science, technology, investment, transport, tourism, education, culture and sports.

They also agreed to facilitate greater exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between their citizens and businesses, while strengthening coordination and aligning positions at regional and multilateral forums, international organizations and the United Nations.

During the meeting, Xuan conveyed greetings and regards from Party chief and State President of Vietnam To Lam to Kavelashvili.

She also expressed Vietnam’s hope to welcome the Georgian president on a visit in the near future.

Kavelashvili reciprocated by conveying his greetings to Vietnamese leader Lam and expressing his desire to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time.

As part of her official visit, Xuan also held talks with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and met with Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

The visit has already produced several cooperation agreements.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment signed a separate memorandum with Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture on agricultural cooperation.

The two countries also agreed to task their relevant ministries and agencies with expediting negotiations and reaching early agreements on an investment promotion and protection agreement, a double taxation avoidance agreement, and a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.