Marking Georgia’s National Day: A Shared Vision for Stronger Egypt-Georgia Relations

As part of the celebrations marking the National Day of Georgia, Editor-in-Chief of "SeeNews", Mohamed Wadie Ghozzy, conducted an exclusive interview with Georgian Ambassador to Egypt Nikoloz Apkhazava to discuss the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations between Egypt and Georgia.

The interview shed light on the steadily growing partnership between Cairo and Tbilisi across political, economic, cultural, and educational sectors, as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation amid evolving regional and global geopolitical dynamics.

Ambassador Apkhazava highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and boosting parliamentary and diplomatic coordination between the two nations.

The discussion also explored promising sectors for bilateral investment, including renewable energy, tourism, logistics, digital transformation, and infrastructure development, while emphasizing Georgia’s strategic role as a gateway between Europe and Asia and Egypt’s position as a major regional hub connecting Africa and the Middle East.

Below is the full interview: 

1. How do you evaluate the current state of diplomatic relations between Tbilisi and Cairo, and what are your top priorities as a Georgia’s Ambassador to Egypt?

-On May 26, Georgia marks the 108th anniversary of the 1918 Declaration of the Act of Independence, which established its first democratic republic after more than a century under the Russian Empire. This declaration holds great historical significance, as it laid the foundation for Georgia’s European identity and affirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy by guaranteeing equal political rights for all citizens, regardless of nationality, creed, social status, or gender. Although Georgia was invaded by the Red Army in 1921 and incorporated into the Soviet Union, it regained independence on April 9, 1991, becoming the 179th member of the United Nations. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of that restoration, with the declaration’s values continuing to guide Georgia’s partnerships, including with Egypt.

Georgia and Egypt established diplomatic relations in 1992, with the Georgian mission in Cairo opening in 1998. So next year we will celebrate the 35th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic ties. Over the years, ties have steadily strengthened, including the 8th round of bilateral consultations held this February in the New Capital, where both sides discussed cooperation and regional and international issues.

In general, we are working to upgrade our bilateral political, economic and cultural ties. More specifically, we hope to see an increase in the people-to-people exchanges, with a focus on high-level government and parliamentary officials, more Egyptian investors benefiting from Georgia’s liberal business environment, and more students and travelers visiting both countries. Most importantly, we hope to finally see realized the long-awaited Egyptian diplomatic mission in Tbilisi. This will undoubtedly boost the Georgia-Egypt bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

2. Both Egypt and Georgia serve as strategic hubs in their respective regions. How can the two nations enhance coordination in the face of current global geopolitical challenges?

-Georgia stands at a strategic crossroads, using its Black Sea ports, upgraded transport infrastructure, and growing digital connectivity to become a key gateway for trade and mobility. Projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Anaklia deep-sea port, and expanding logistics hubs reflect this vision. By maintaining a free and advanced business environment, strengthening trade networks, and developing competitive transport routes, Georgia contributes to regional stability and prosperity. As regional development is interdependent, cooperation is essential to fully utilize transport, logistics, and energy transit opportunities, especially as global demand for South Caucasus capabilities continues to grow. The Black Sea plays a vital role in global trade, and ensuring secure and uninterrupted navigation is crucial for the flow of energy, goods, and services.

Strategically located between Europe and Asia, Georgia serves as a gateway to major markets and actively participates in regional and international projects that enhance infrastructure, trade, and investment. It is strengthening its role as a key transit hub along the Europe-Asia corridor, including through ports like Batumi and Poti and initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Belt and Road Initiative. Continued investment in infrastructure and industry will further position Georgia as a bridge between East and West. In today’s complex geopolitical environment, closer, trust-based cooperation between countries like Georgia and Egypt—across government and business —is essential to address shared challenges and opportunities.

3. Are there any upcoming high-level official visits planned between the two countries in the near future?

-There are ongoing discussions regarding several potential high-level exchange visits in the near future, reflecting the positive momentum in bilateral relations between our two countries. In particular, there is strong interest in further activating inter-parliamentary cooperation through establishing friendship groups in both parliaments, which would play an important role in strengthening the dialogue.

Such visits would undoubtedly deepen further our cooperation across political, economic, cultural and people-to-people spheres. We remain committed to maintaining close coordination and we looking forward to more active engagements at all levels.

4. Georgia has made remarkable strides in the “Ease of Doing Business” and anti-corruption measures. How can Egypt and Georgia exchange expertise in administrative and economic reform?

-Egypt and Georgia share a strong commitment to reform, transparency, and private-sector-led growth. Building on Georgia’s transformation and Egypt’s modernization agenda, both countries can deepen cooperation through high-impact exchanges of expertise. This includes establishing institutionalized knowledge-sharing mechanisms such as joint working groups and regular policy dialogues to exchange best practices in regulatory reform, public financial management, and investment facilitation. Digital governance is another key area, where Georgia’s experience in streamlining services through digitalization can complement Egypt’s “Digital Egypt” strategy through study visits and technical workshops.

Both countries can also collaborate on improving the business environment, drawing on Georgia’s experience in simplifying licensing, strengthening dispute resolution, and enhancing regulatory transparency to support Egypt’s investment climate. In addition, sustained knowledge transfer in areas like tax policy and innovation can be achieved through capacity-building initiatives and partnerships between institutions such as Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency and Egypt’s National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development. Through structured cooperation and continuous dialogue, both nations can advance inclusive growth, strengthen governance, and deepen bilateral economic ties.

Georgia is a constructive and reliable partner, aiming and contributing to regional peace, particularly in the South Caucasus. Our vision is clear: to transform our region into a space of stability, dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development. We believe that such transformation is possible only through close partnerships grounded in a deep understanding of shared challenges.

We welcome new initiatives for economic cooperation aimed at sustainable growth and greater resilience. Our region, with its strategic location and stable environment, offers a number of opportunities to countries interested in partnership. Only through close cooperation between regional countries will be possible fully utilize potential, emerging opportunities and achieve targeted development.

5. Which sectors do you believe offer the most promising investment opportunities for Egyptian businessmen in Georgia, and vice versa?

-Georgia and Egypt offer complementary strengths and market opportunities, creating a strong foundation for mutually beneficial investment. Key sectors for Egyptian investors in Georgia include renewable energy, where abundant hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal resources, combined with an investor-friendly framework, provide solid long-term prospects supported by flexible pricing and risk-mitigation mechanisms. Agriculture and agro-processing also present opportunities due to fertile land and access to export markets, alongside tourism, hospitality, and logistics, where Georgia’s strategic position between Europe and Asia enhances investment potential.

For Georgian investors, Egypt’s large and dynamic market offers opportunities in manufacturing and industrial production, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, as well as in ICT, digital services, fintech, and renewable energy. Construction, real estate, and tourism also remain attractive due to major national projects and ongoing reforms. These sectors benefit from Egypt’s scale, infrastructure, and expanding economic environment.

Overall, the investment relationship reflects strong complementarity: Georgia offers a liberal, accessible business environment and strategic connectivity, while Egypt provides scale and access to African and Middle Eastern markets. Through partnerships, joint ventures, and institutional cooperation, both countries can unlock significant economic value and further strengthen bilateral investment ties.

6. Are there specific plans to increase trade volume and what obstacles are you working to overcome (e.g. direct flight routes or logistics)?

-For now, there are no regular direct flights between Georgia and Egypt. Only charter flights are actively operating, connecting Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada to Tbilisi. For the 2026 summer season, Air Cairo is launching new direct charter flights between Batumi and Cairo. Flights will operate once a week, marking the first direct link between the two cities. There have been constructive discussions regarding the enhancement of air connectivity between Cairo and Tbilisi. In this connection, we held a meeting with the CEO of Air Cairo to explore the possibility of establishing regular direct flights between the two capitals.

7. What do you think of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and its recent urban development?

-Designed as a modern hub for governance, business, and innovation, the New Administrative Capital represents a bold and forward-looking vision for the future of the nation. Its integrated, smart-city approach that combines advanced infrastructure, green spaces, and institutional centers, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life.

At the same time, the initiative plays a vital role in addressing urban challenges by easing the pressure on Cairo and creating new opportunities for growth, investment, and employment.

Overall, the New Administrative Capital project merits high commendation as a defining achievement that embodies progress, resilience, and Egypt’s confidence in shaping its future.

8. Given the historical and Cultural depth shared by both peoples, how does the Embassy plan to promote cultural and academic exchanges in the coming period?

-Egypt and Georgia share a rich historical legacy and a strong commitment to investing in people through education, culture, and knowledge exchange. Building on this foundation, the Embassy aims to deepen people-to-people ties and strengthen institutional partnerships. Growing interest among Egyptian students in studying in Georgia reflects the quality of Georgian education and the natural connection between the two societies, and efforts continue to support greater academic mobility. Georgia’s tradition of oriental studies also provides a strong basis for expanding cooperation with Egyptian institutions, while Egypt’s support through scholarships and joint academic activities, such as recent workshops in Cairo, further enhances mutual understanding.

Culturally, the Embassy is working to highlight shared heritage through initiatives such as a documentary on the Georgian Mamluks in Egypt, to be presented to both Georgian and Egyptian audiences. Future plans include cultural projects like exhibitions of Georgia’s UNESCO-recognized scripts and performances by a Georgian national dance company. Through these academic and cultural initiatives, the goal is to build lasting connections, encourage dialogue, and strengthen the already close and friendly relations between Egypt and Georgia.

9. On a personal note, how would you describe your experience with Egyptian culture so far? And what message would you like to send to the Egyptian people through our platform?

-I am a lover of history and for someone like me there is hardly a better destination than the “Mother of the World”. I am in awe of the monumental architecture and the treasure trove of ancient sites blending pharaonic traditions with Greek, Roman and Islamic influences. The grandeur of the ancient artifacts is matched by the magnificence of the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. My visit there was an unforgettable experience. There is so much to see and so much to discover in Egypt!

I am touched by the deep-rooted hospitality and generosity of the Egyptian people, and I truly enjoy the vibrant daily display of their cultural diversity and unique culinary traditions. Even though I am far away from home, I am reminded here of my country by the ethics of the Egyptian society built on the principles of honour, respect and compassion, and resting on the strong foundation of family and close personal connections.

Egypt is on the path of strong and diversified economic growth with a very positive outlook for the next 50 years. I wish the Egyptian people every success in the economic and social reforms they are undertaking. I have no doubt that this ancient civilization will endure and prosper in the future driven by the tireless determination of its great people to transform the challenges into promising opportunities for a better life.