TBILISI, Georgia

Turkey and Georgia reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral economic ties Thursday.

The commitment was made during Turkish Customs and Trade Minister Nurettin Canikli’s visit to the Georgian capital Tbilisi, where he met Georgia’s Minister of Finance Nodar Khaduri.

Addressing a joint press conference, Canikli said economic ties between both countries were at a very good level, but there was a need to further enhance the relations.

“The development of our relations is in the interest of both countries. There is a natural potential; we should further that potential,” he said.

He called for opening of more customs gates between the two countries to increase the volume of trade.

Khaduri said, “We will do our best to facilitate the opening of the border gates.”

The Turkish minister also urged Georgia to resolve its territorial disputes through peaceful means. “Problems regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia should be resolved within peaceful means on every single platform,” he said.

The self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in the early 90's. Since 2008, only Russia and three other UN member nations have recognized Abkhazia’s independence, with the remainder recognizing the territory as part of Georgia. Separatist movements are ongoing in both territories.