President of the Baltic Security Foundation, Olevs Nikers has responded to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov's visit to Georgia and emphasized the importance of the “Middle Corridor” initiative involving Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan is very important srategical partner for Georgia both in terms of economy and regional security. Both countries should strengthen their partnership through investment projects and develop security related cooperation in the light of political trust and common perception of the regional security problems and challenges. As for the "Middle Corridor", it brings economic opportunities both for Georgia and Kazakhstan. Especially for Georgia I would encourage to utilize the European direction of this arrangement. It would enhance Georgias European integration opportunities from one side, and play a significant role as of a hub and interconnecting link for other countries along the line especially Kazakhstan," Nikers told the Accent.

On June 22, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov, paid an official visit to Georgia. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili received the delegation from the Republic of Kazakhstan and organized an official dinner in their honor. As part of the visit, the Prime Ministers held a one-on-one meeting and an extended format discussion on 23 June. This was followed by a joint statement to the media. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as an agreement between Georgian and Kazakh companies.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, starting from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, then Azerbaijan and Georgia and to further European countries.

More context: Georgia and Kazakhstan agreed to deliver Chinese goods to the European Union bypassing Russia.