Georgia
Georgian Education Minister Givi Mikanaadze's Visit to China
November 19
The visit of Givi Mikanaadze, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, to the People’s Republic of China took place on November 13-19, 2025, where important issues of deepening cooperation and the implementation of joint educational projects were discussed.
It is noteworthy that Mikanadze, at the invitation of the Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, participated in the World Chinese Language Conference. The initiative to introduce Chinese language instruction in Georgian schools was also discussed within the framework of the meeting.
Furthermore, within the framework of his working visit to the People’s Republic of China, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia visited the headquarters of Huawei. The company’s Vice President introduced the Minister to the company’s operations, the latest inventions, and innovative educational projects that Huawei offers to institutions in various countries.
Special emphasis was placed on Huawei’s initiative to equip smart classrooms in Georgian schools. The company’s Vice President announced that Huawei will transfer the necessary equipment free of charge for setting up a smart classroom to one of the schools in Tbilisi.
Prior to visiting the Huawei headquarters, Givi Mikanadze also visited the Shenzhen Experimental School and the Polytechnic University, where he attended the ongoing educational process.
An Agreement Among the Railways of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan
November 19
A meeting of the top officials from the railway administrations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan was held in Baku. The main topic of discussion was the forthcoming official entry of the large Chinese state-owned company, China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT), into the joint venture Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., which was established in October 2023.
Between January and July 2024, 225 block trains departed from China via Azerbaijan, which is nearly twice the figure for the corresponding period last year. All four parties (China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) will cooperate to coordinate resources, establish unified tariffs, and expand the corridor’s capacity with the aim of creating a safe, stable, and high-quality alternative transport route for Euro-Asian trade.
Georgia’s State Minister’s Visit to China
November 20
According to information released by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Ivanishvili’s State Minister, Tea Akhvlediani, visited the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China.
During the visit, Akhvlediani met with Chen Ruifeng, Minister of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China; Bei Chaolu, Chairman of the Ethnic Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China; as well as representatives of Minzu University of China and the National Museum of Ethnic Cultures.
According to the Minister’s Office, the parties discussed possible avenues for developing cooperation.
It is noteworthy that during the visit, Tea Akhvlediani, together with Georgia’s Ambassador to China, Paata Kalandadze, visited Minzu University of China. The Georgian delegation learned about the university’s work, and the university expressed its readiness to establish close relations and cooperation.
Four Workers Die in Incident on Kvesheti–Kobi Road Built by Chinese State Companies
November 23
On 23 November, an incident that occurred during the construction of a retaining wall on the Kvesheti–Kobi road near the village of Tskere claimed the lives of four workers.
Construction works on this section of the road are being carried out by the Chinese companies CRTG and China Railway 23rd Bureau, while project supervision is provided by the Turkish company UBM.
The Kvesheti–Kobi highway project began in 2019 and was scheduled for completion in 2023. The project includes five bridges and five tunnels. Its total cost is 1.240 billion GEL, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
According to a representative of the Roads Department, the specific cause of the incident will be determined after the investigation is completed. The statement also noted that they are demanding stricter compliance with safety standards from the Chinese contractor. However, it is noteworthy that violations in the work of this Chinese company have been recorded since 2018, including labor-related risks identified in 2021.
“Civic IDEA” has published multiple reports in past years regarding the questionable activities and potential risks associated with these Chinese companies. Nevertheless, these recommendations did not receive a response from the relevant state agencies.
Azerbaijan
“China Visitors Summit” Held in Baku
November 17
Organized by the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, the “China Visitors Summit” was held in Baku for the first time, bringing together representatives of the tourism sectors of Azerbaijan and China.
At the event, Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, noted that cooperation with China in the tourism sector is developing in two directions: implementation of the so-called China Ready concept in Azerbaijan and the expansion of marketing programs in China.
Florian Sengstschmid, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau, stated in an interview with Azerbaijan’s state news agency that China is currently the world’s most important outbound tourism market, which significantly affects Azerbaijan as well. In particular, the number of Chinese visitors has been increasing annually.
According to Sengstschmid, the visa-free travel regime between the two countries also positively contributes to the development of tourism. Compared to the previous year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan increased by 51 percent.
The General Manager of the Chinese company Suzhou China International Travel Service Corporation Ltd, Fei Xin, also made a statement regarding the current dynamics of cooperation in the tourism sector. He noted that Azerbaijan’s share in China’s tourism market is continuously growing, and that there is substantial potential for further cooperation between the countries.
A Doctoral Student of Azerbaijan’s Institute of Botany Participates in a Study Program in China
November 18
Elnara Isgandarli, a doctoral student at the Institute of Botany, participated in an international training program in the Chinese city of Ningbo.
Specialists in biomedicine, biochemical research, pharmaceutical innovation, and traditional Chinese medicine conducted the program. Sessions also covered the use of artificial intelligence in biomedical fields, diagnostics, and drug development.
As part of the program, Elnara Isgandarli discussed prospects for joint research projects with Chinese scientists.
“Azerbaijan Railways” Participates in International Forum in China
November 19
Arif Agaev, Deputy Chairman of “Azerbaijan Railways,” along with an accompanying delegation, visited China. Company representatives took part in the second “China–Europe Express Railway Cooperation Forum.”
Speaking at the forum, Arif Agaev emphasized that for Azerbaijan, China is not only a strategic trade partner but also a reliable ally in logistics and transportation.
Beyond the forum, the “Azerbaijan Railways” delegation held meetings with representatives of Chinese companies COSCO, Huawei, and CCCC. During the meetings, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation, cargo transportation, and digitalization.
Delegation of the Azerbaijan University of Languages Attends a Conference in China
November 20
Shafag Shahmammadov, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, and the directors of the Confucius Institute, Rafik Abbasov and Li Jihua, attended the World Chinese Language Conference organized by China’s Ministry of Education.
The conference focused on “Factors Increasing the Accessibility of the Chinese Language: Innovation and Digital Technologies.” Representatives of the Azerbaijan University of Languages participated in a panel addressing Chinese language teaching, the use of artificial intelligence in education, the organization of HSK exams, and issues of intercultural dialogue.
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with leading Chinese universities, including discussions on strengthening cooperation with China’s Huzhou University.
Armenia
Yerevan Municipality Purchases Chinese Trolleybuses
November 21
The Yerevan Municipality has purchased 45 twelve-meter trolleybuses from China, which are expected to arrive in Armenia in the first half of next year. According to the contract, each trolleybus costs 96 million Armenian drams (approximately 25,000 USD). The 12-meter trolleybuses will be able to carry around 85 passengers and will be equipped with folding ramps for wheelchair users.
Tajikistan
Strategic Dialogue Held Between Tajikistan and China in Dushanbe
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the first meeting between the Foreign Ministers of China and the Republic of Tajikistan within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue took place in Dushanbe. During the negotiations, the ministers emphasized the importance of the timely implementation of agreements and also highlighted the bilateral treaty signed following recent summits.
The sides reaffirmed the comprehensive high-level strategic partnership between Tajikistan and China. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in priority areas, including trade, economy, investment, industry, energy, transport, agriculture, the digital economy, innovative technologies and artificial intelligence, ecology and the green economy, security, and other fields.
Within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue, the parties also discussed ways to develop and expand cooperation on bilateral cultural and humanitarian issues. In addition, the ministers exchanged views on key regional and international matters.
