“Prime ministers, economy ministers, economic models, deadlines, and statements keep changing, but the result remains the same – Anaklia still does not exist,” Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Secretary of Lelo – Strong Georgia, said in response to the government’s decision that the Anaklia port will be built under a new “landlord” model, under which the state will remain the owner of the main maritime and port infrastructure and will itself ensure its development and management.

According to him, Lelo – Strong Georgia has a plan that envisages the involvement of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the construction of the Anaklia port, which is crucial for creating a “Caucasian peace economy.”

“For more than 10 years, the Georgian government has continuously made new promises to citizens regarding Anaklia. Prime ministers, economy ministers, economic models, deadlines, and statements have changed, but the result is the same – Anaklia still does not exist. In reality, today the government does not need to make another promise, but rather present an entirely new strategic vision that will respond to national challenges and regional dynamics.

“Lelo – Strong Georgia” has repeatedly proposed in recent years that Anaklia should become the main Black Sea gateway of a new East-West economic corridor, which many international observers already refer to as the ‘Trump Route.’ This means Georgia’s return to the strategic economic map of the West, with much more active participation of the United States and Europe in our region.

“Today, we present a continuation of this vision, one that responds to the new and very important geopolitical reality that has emerged in the region. ‘Lelo – Strong Georgia’ believes that the Anaklia deep-sea port should become a joint strategic project of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Our proposal is to establish a joint Caucasian consortium with the participation of the three countries, while port management should be transferred to an operator with a strong international reputation.

“At the same time, the Anaklia Free Economic Zone should be open to American, European, and all international partners that respect Georgia’s sovereignty and are ready to participate in the peaceful development of the region. This is our idea of a ‘Caucasian Trio’ and a new model of cooperation that will unite the region around common economic and prosperity interests.

“We call this vision the ‘economy of peace,’ and we deeply believe that the future of the Caucasus should be built on the basis of the shared economic interests of the three states.

“History teaches us that the strongest peace is created precisely where countries trade and build infrastructure together, attract investments together, and create prosperity. That is why Anaklia is not just a port; it is a historic opportunity that should become a common Caucasian peace project and the main economic gateway of the Caucasus to the world – built around future opportunities, not memories of the past.

“We believe this is one of the most important paths for Georgia to become a leading regional power.

“The Georgian Dream had 10 years to ensure that Anaklia did not become merely a history of empty promises. Today, the country does not need another unfulfilled promise, changes in economic models, or political games; it needs a major national strategy.

“This is the strategy we are offering – not only to Georgian society, but also to our neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan, our Western partners, and international investors.

“Anaklia should become the place where Caucasian cooperation and Western strategic interests meet. Anaklia should become the place where the future of the Caucasus begins. This is the economy of peace and Georgia’s new historic opportunity,” Gegelia said.