Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, Held an Introductory Meeting with the Governor of Rize Province During His Working Visit to the Republic of Türkiye

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, held an inaugural meeting with Ihsan Selim Baydaş, the Governor of Rize Province, during his official visit to the Republic of Türkiye.

The meeting primarily focused on exploring strategic opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation between the Ajara and Rize regions, strengthen institutional ties between local universities, and facilitate the exchange of regional governance expertise. In addition to discussing mechanisms to boost trade relations, economic ties, business initiatives, and professional networks, both parties placed special emphasis on academic collaboration. This institutional partnership is expected to expand advanced professional development opportunities for the youth.

Zurab Pataradze noted that the shared geographical attributes of Adjara and Rize specifically their coastal locations and mountainous landscapes engender common regional interests and present significant prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. In this context, the discussions touched upon sharing best practices regarding the development of year-round (four-season) tourism and the sustainable establishment of infrastructure for mountain resorts.

The Head of Government also highlighted Batumi's growing capacity to host high-level international forums and congresses. It was noted that such large-scale events serve as vital platforms for exchanging experience, identifying new strategic partners, and expanding multinational economic cooperation.

The high-level meeting was attended by Ednar Nataridze, Minister of Finance and Economy of Ajara; Denis Salukvadze, Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Ajara; and Nikoloz Iashvili, Consul General of Georgia in Trabzon, alongside representatives from the Consulate. The Turkish and business delegations included Deputy Governors Mustafa Batuhan Alfboga and Metin Eyupkoca; Acting Deputy Governor Furkan Aksoy; Osman Çalışkan-Mzhavanadze, Chairman of the DEIK Türkiye-Georgia Business Council; and various representatives from regional business associations.