Strategic crossroads: How Georgia is deepening links with the Middle East and North Africa

Over the past three decades, Georgia has steadily transformed itself into a strategic bridge linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. 

Emerging from the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country has opened its economy, modernized its institutions, and positioned itself as a dynamic and attractive partner for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) nations.

Today, Georgia’s economy — ranked among the freest in the world — coupled with its relatively stable political environment, despite occasional unrest, makes it a sought-after destination for investors from the Gulf, Turkey, and beyond. 

Foreign direct investment and booming tourism from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel underline the strength of these growing relationships.

Beyond economics, Georgia has assumed an important humanitarian role, serving as a critical transit point for refugees fleeing conflict zones in the Middle East toward Europe. 

This dimension of Georgia’s engagement further underscores the need for stronger partnerships between Georgia, Europe, and the MENA region to address shared challenges, including migration and security.

A New Diplomatic Offensive

Signaling a deepening commitment to the region, Georgia’s newly elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, has announced plans for a major diplomatic tour across the Middle East and North Africa. 

His upcoming visits are aimed at expanding political, economic, and security ties with key countries, reinforcing Georgia’s historical role as a crossroads for strategic dialogue and cooperation.

This diplomatic outreach echoes the efforts of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in mid-April to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation. These high-level engagements reflect a broader Georgian strategy: to strengthen its footprint in a region that is increasingly interconnected with the geopolitics of the South Caucasus.

Georgia’s extensive experience in conflict mediation — particularly through Track II diplomacy initiatives — positions it as a valuable partner for MENA countries facing persistent regional tensions. By sharing its expertise in dialogue facilitation and conflict transformation, Georgia hopes to contribute to broader efforts to stabilize a region marked by protracted disputes.

This proactive diplomacy is not merely opportunistic. Regional dynamics involving Turkey, Iran, Russia, and the United States have made the South Caucasus increasingly intertwined with Middle Eastern affairs. Heightened competition among major powers, along with shifting alliances, has created both challenges and opportunities that Georgia seeks to navigate carefully.

A Strategic Vision for the Future

By expanding its engagements with MENA partners, Georgia aims to enhance its international standing, diversify its foreign partnerships, and contribute to greater regional stability. 

Its strategy reflects a pragmatic understanding: as a small country located at a vital crossroads, active and diversified diplomacy is key to securing its sovereignty, economic resilience, and influence on the world stage.

In pursuing stronger ties with the Middle East and North Africa, Georgia not only reaffirms its historical role as a hub of cultural and commercial exchange but also demonstrates a forward-looking vision grounded in strategic engagement and mutual cooperation.