Related items

• Ambassador Degnan’s Remarks to Media at Parliament

  Question about the event

  Ambassador Degnan: Today was a great opportunity to come to Parliament with our new USAID Mission Director, John Pennell. We had a chance to talk about the many different areas of cooperation and partnership that USAID has throughout Georgia, from economic growth to energy independence, basic education, vocational education, industry-driven skills development, and of course, democracy and governance. We’ve done a lot of good work over the decades with Parliament on developing its oversight capabilities and helping to draft legislation in a number of different important ways that also protect the human rights of Georgian citizens. So, this was a wonderful opportunity to introduce our new USAID Mission Director. As the Speaker himself pointed out, much of his career has been spent in the development sector, in civil society, and so it was useful for us to exchange views on just how important of a role civil society and development organizations play in any government, especially here in Georgia where we’ve had such a long partnership over the last 30 years. I would say in that respect, some of the attacks against civil society have been particularly surprising. As many of the Members of Parliament who have worked in civil society before coming into government know, civil society plays a critical role in a healthy democracy. It’s sometimes uncomfortable to hear feedback from civil society, but that is their role. Their role is to protect the interests of the citizens and to hold the government accountable. Sometimes that feedback is uncomfortable, but they’re not there to work for the government. They’re not there to work for particular political parties. They’re there to work for the public and the rights of the citizens and to hold the government accountable. I think Georgia is fortunate to have a number of very professional, strong civil society organizations that are doing exactly that, whether it’s helping to clean the air, address climate change, or to help develop regulations that protect workers that improve communities. Civil society works across so many different sectors, and I think we should appreciate the good work that they do every day. 

  Question on new members of People’s Party

  Ambassador Degnan: I’m not going to comment on the political developments in Georgia. I think the Georgian public can see very well what’s going on here. There is a confusing message coming from the government between aligning with those who seem to be moving to undermine the partnership between Georgia and the United States, and the statements from the Prime Minister and others about the importance of the partnership between the United States and Georgia and other strategic partners. I prefer to deal with facts. There’s plenty of disinformation and conspiracy theories out there. The facts are that for 30 years the United States has been committed to helping Georgia strengthen its security and supporting Georgia’s sovereignty. For 30 years, the United States has been supporting Georgia in developing its economy, in creating better jobs. I would say some of the good economic figures that we’re seeing in Georgia right now in part relate to the support that the United States, the EU, and other friends of Georgia provided to help cushion the outcome of the Covid pandemic and to help Georgia be in a good economic position coming out of this unprecedented situation, on top of the impact of the war or Russia’s war against Ukraine. For 30 years, the United States has also been trying to help Georgia build its democratic institutions so that the people of Georgia can have greater confidence that this country is moving toward a stronger, healthier democracy. That is what the people of Georgia have said they wanted for decades. The United States has been very proud and pleased to be able to help Georgia with all of those goals: stronger security, a stronger economy, and stronger democratic institutions. We look forward to continuing that partnership. Our meeting today with this speaker and his cabinet was a good chance to renew that partnership and to talk about the ways going forward that USAID and the US Embassy can continue to support Georgia on its path toward a Euro-Atlantic future. That’s what we all want to see: Georgia more fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic family.

  Question on de-oligarchization

  Ambassador Degnan: The issue behind de-oligarchization in any country is how to address undue influence by anyone in the political or the economic processes of a country, anyone who’s trying to influence the operation of government and society through excess money or influence. It’s an issue that many countries grapple with, including my own. There are different ways that countries address undue influence in the political sector, and I think each country needs to debate that and come up with its own solution. I personally don’t think it’s always helpful to just borrow somebody else’s without tailoring it to the specifics of your country’s situation. There are many good examples out there that can be examined and crafted into something that is appropriate for Georgia, and the underlying problem, which is undue influence that affects the political will of the people. For instance, instead of having an election that reflects what the voters have voted, you have a distorted view because there’s been an undue influence on the process. What any law like this is meant to do is to try to ensure that there is transparency, accountability, and a level playing field so that the people’s voice is heard.

  By U.S. Embassy Tbilisi 
• THE DELEGATION OF TURKMENISTAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

  On September 26, 2022, the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by  the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania A.Annayev, participated in Bucharest in the opening ceremony of the Plenipotentiary Conference for 2022 (PP-22) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

  The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization for digitalization at the global level.

  The Plenipotentiary Conference is held every four years with an aim to elect ITU leadership, adopt its four-year strategic and financial plans, and to debate telecommunication, information and communication technology policies and priorities.  

  Plenipotentiary Conference for 2022 (PP-22) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will continue from

  26 September to 14 October, 2022.

• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Georgia

  On 19 September 2022, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Georgia, Zhou Qian.
  The sides discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Special attention was paid to successful trade and economic cooperation between Georgia and the People's Republic of China. It was noted that China has become one of the main trade partners for Georgia in recent years.
  Discussions focused on the importance of exchanging high-level visits between the two countries. The sides reviewed  the possibility of taking appropriate steps in this direction and agreed on active cooperation.
  The sides reaffirmed their unwavering and consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other's countries.

  MFA of Georgia

• Irakli Garibashvili: Ambassadori Batumi Island’s large-scale investment project is set to further bolster Batumi’s solid international reputation and Adjara’s economic progress

  Yesterday we are launching a unique, global-standard project that is truly exceptional in our region. This project covers two artificial peninsulas, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at Ambassadori Batumi Island’s time capsule burial ceremony today.

  According to the Head of Government, at least 100 million USD will be invested in this project, and 2,000 local residents will be employed.

  “I would like to greet all of you with enormous respect and congratulate you on this day, because today we are launching a unique, global-standard project that is truly exceptional in our region. This project covers two artificial peninsulas, and one island will be built to bring together recreation and wellness, sports, educational, residential, and tourism directions, and I am confident that this investment project, the largest in the region, will further bolster Batumi’s solid international reputation and Adjara’s economic progress. I would like to greet the project’s initiator and our investor, Ambassadori Group’s leader, Mister Keburia and his family. I would like to thank Ambassadori Group, because this company has already invested tens of millions of dollars and, without exaggeration, has created truly unique projects in various Georgian regions, including Tbilisi, Kakheti, and Adjara. And now we have a project that is unique for our country and the entire region. Thus, I would like to thank the investor. At least 100 million USD will be invested in this project-this is what has been announced at the initial stage-and 2,000 local residents, our citizens, will be employed.

  “Before obtaining a permit, the company and its founder completed all procedures, carried out the project’s assessment, engaged relevant research institutes, and this project has been developed by top-notch professionals. Generally, I would like to say that this project meets all relevant environmental and safety standards, which is very important to Batumi’s residents, to the residents of our Adjara.

  “Once again, I would like to thank Ambassadori Group, the project’s authors and initiators. This truly unique project is our pride and joy. On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank the group once again and pledge our full support.

  “Today we need such projects, such large-scale projects, to be implemented in the country. The fact that the group has decided to launch and carry out a project of this magnitude reiterates that unique conditions are put in place in Georgia today.

  “As you know, our economic growth is in double digits, while the whole world is facing enormous challenges. Recession is almost everywhere, but we have been able to maintain, above all else, peace, stability, and strong economic development. What our country needs today is precisely the implementation of projects of this kind, strong economic advancement and progress, and this, of course, will create more jobs, greater revenues, wealth, and will bring greater prosperity to our citizens. This is our common wish, task, and dream. Once again, thank you. I wish you success,” the Prime Minister stated.

  The event’s invited guests were also addressed by the Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, the Chairman of the Government of Adjara, Tornike Rizhvadze, and the Cofounder of Ambassadori Batumi Island, Fridon Katamadze.

  Ambassadori Batumi Island’s large-scale project seeks to create two ultramodern artificial recreation and welfare peninsulas and one island and to put in place relevant infrastructure. Under the project, modern-standard commercial, entertainment, sports, educational, wellness and health, residential, and tourism and recreation infrastructure will be built. The project is fully implemented with private investments. To carry out the project’s initial phase, Ambassadori Group will invest 100 million USD, and construction work will employ 2,000 people.

  The event was attended by representatives of executive, legislative, and local authorities, and of Ambassadori Group.

  Press Service of the Government Administration

   

• Ilia Darchiashvili has held a farewell meeting with the Ambassador of Armenia

  On 1 September 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili held a farewell meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Georgia, Ruben Sadoyan.
  The Minister thanked the Armenian diplomat for his significant contribution to the development of relations between Georgia and the Republic of Armenia and wished him success in his future work.
  At the meeting, the sides spoke about the fruitful cooperation between the two countries and prospects for its development.

  MFA of Georgia