Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The conversation at the meeting focused on the relations between the two countries and prospects of future cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia.

The meeting at the Government Administration was attended by Minister of Education and Science Mikheil Chkhenkeli and Armenia’s Ambassador to Georgia Ashot Smbatyan.

Georgia’s steps toward EU integration and the regional security environment were the key topics discussed between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at today’s meeting within the scope of the Munich Security Conference.

Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office/Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

The parties discussed the regional security challenges arising from the military action in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister reiterated Georgia's solidarity with Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid and political support, including in every international format. Garibashvili also underlined the vital role and active steps of the international community toward ending the war as soon as possible.

Special attention was paid to future cooperation during Poland's OSCE chairmanship and regional security issues in this context. Irakli Garibashvili, during his conversation with Zbigniew Rau, emphasized the importance of keeping the issue of Georgia's occupied territory high on the agenda during Poland's OSCE chairmanship, also of OSCE engagement in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), and the need to use this format effectively and achieving tangible results. The parties also focused on the importance of effective co-chairmanship of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), also underscoring the Georgian Government's peace policy.

The Polish diplomat reaffirmed support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and the country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the crucially important priorities declared by Poland as part of its OSCE chairmanship. The Head of Government thanked the Polish Foreign Minister for visiting Georgia.

During the meeting at the Government Administration, the Polish side was represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia Mariusz Maszkiewicz, Polish Ambassador to Montenegro/ Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Artur Dmochowski, Head of the Polish OSCE Chairmanship's Task Force Paweł Kotowski, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Viorel Moșanu, and Senior Policy Support Officer of the OSCE Secretariat's Caucasus Desk Siegfried Wöber, while the Georgian side was represented by Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani, Head of the Government Administration Ilia Darchiashvili, and Georgia's Permanent Representative to the OSCE/Ambassador to Austria Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today's Cabinet session, chaired by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the Government Administration, discussed 9 issues on its meeting agenda.
To strengthen the defense capabilities of Georgia's Armed Forces, and improve anti-amor capacities, the Government is working on procuring an additional supply of Javelin man-portable anti-tank missiles. In 2021, the Department of State made a decision on a possible foreign military sale of 30 million USDs' worth of additional Javelin missiles to Georgia. The Defense Ministry-in order to carry out this transaction of national and public importance expeditiously-will employ simplified procurement to acquire new Javelin man-portable anti-tank systems under the relevant agreement between the Governments of the two countries.
Given the priorities of the Defense Ministry, it has been decided that the financing to this end, amounting to 26,246,866 USD, will be covered with the amount allocated by the US and, in line with the agreement between the Governments of the United States and Georgia, with sums transferred from Georgia's state budget.
Today's Cabinet meeting also discussed proposed amendments to the Law of Georgia on Medicines and Pharmaceutical Activities. According to these amendments, importing pharmaceutical products to Georgia will require a certificate confirming production in line with GMP (good manufacturing practices) standards. Before March of 2022, the Government of Georgia will present mandatory stages and terms for producing said certificate.
These amendments are designed to ensure equal approaches to pharmaceuticals manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers. The Government will endorse the bill to the Parliament with a request for an expedited review.

Press Service of the Government Administration

I welcome our strategic allies and partners visiting Batumi Port, and I welcome American command ships, their crews and personnel, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated today in Batumi, aboard USS Mount Whitney.
According to the Head of Government, this port visit by American command ships is yet another clear demonstration of the strong strategic relations between Georgia and the US.
"Georgia is very important country in the Black Sea region. Our geographic location has a profound significance. Georgia is a loyal ally and participant of global security. We understand well the importance of Black Sea security, and we are committed to assisting our allies in this direction. We share the responsibility of cementing regional peace and stability, and we will continue doing everything to that end. Army command compatibility, partnership-oriented drills, and the unity of our forces in times of crisis offer the best way to ensure security in the region. I am happy to see that our friends, during their stay in Batumi, will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with our country's rich history, culture, and traditions. Along with our guests, I would like to express enormous gratitude to the US Government and the American people, each American, who have stood by Georgia since the regaining of independence. On behalf of our Government and the Georgian people, I once again thank you visiting, and I wish you a successful stay," the Prime Minister addressed the crews and personnel of the American ships.
The guests aboard the USS were also addressed by US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan and Commander of the Sixth Fleet/Vice Admiral Gene Black.
"It is an honor to welcome to Georgia USS Mount Whitney and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Porter. Many representatives of the crews and personnel of these ships are visiting this beautiful country for the first time, though the ships themselves have been here many times before. We are very proud of their return today. In September of 2008, after Russia's invasion of Georgia, Mount Whitney delivered 17 tons of much-needed humanitarian aid from the USAID, marking the first visit of the ship to the Black Sea water area, and look at Georgia's immense progress since! The history of these glorious ships, and the capabilities and achievements of their crews, are truly impressive. This visit reaffirms that the United States and Georgia, as partners, are committed to the idea of security and defense. Less than a month has passed since the recent visit by the US Defense Secretary, who reminisced about his time together with Georgian troops on battlefield and expressed gratitude to them. Alongside troops from the North Atlantic Alliance's member states and allies, more than 22,000 Georgians have participated in trainings and battles. The crews and personnel of these ships enable the US to carry out integrated aerial, land, and maritime operations with military and humanitarian missions, whenever we are called and whenever we are needed in the world. Your being here also reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the United States to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you, Mister Prime Minister, Mister Vice Prime Minister, Mister Defense Minister, Mister Chief of Defense Forces, and heads of the border guard and maritime patrol services, for facilitating this visit-and, more importantly, for your strong support of our security and defense partnership," Ambassador Degnan said.
Vice Admiral Gene Black thanked Georgia and Batumi for hosting the US ships and crews.
"Georgia's support makes a direct contribution to maritime security in the Black Sea Region. Our host city has embraced our crews and personnel with genuine warmth and hospitality. I deeply appreciate that. I am also grateful to Georgia's Defense Forces and the Georgian people for supporting US- and NATO-led missions. Georgia is our strategic partner, and our support for the country remains unwavering. The United States remain committed to maintaining close bilateral relations and assisting Georgia in developing its defense capabilities. Your contribution to our joint security effort testifies to the strength of our strategic partnership and to the common maritime interests and values we share. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his visit to Georgia last months, stated that ‘Georgia has consistently and resolutely supported the United States in ensuring peace and stability in this region. I am happy to have this opportunity to reaffirm our strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.' The United States Navy-together with the member states and allies of the North Atlantic Alliance, including Georgia-is bolstering maritime security and stability in the Black Sea Region. No single country can deal with all threats on its own, the reason why I, on behalf of the United States of America and the North Atlantic Alliance and the Sixth Fleet, I thank Georgia for this opportunity further strengthening our relations," Vice Admiral Gene Black stated.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

The meeting at the Administration of the Georgian Government focused on the relations between the two countries based on shared values and principles, emphasizing the tremendous dynamism of bilateral interaction. Lithuania is one of Georgia's most active supporters, the parties pointed out.

The conversation revolved around successful and productive cooperation with Lithuania's delegations under various international organizations. The Head of Government thanked the Lithuanian President for ongoing support and the initiation of resolutions concerning Georgia.

The meeting also focused on the importance of deepening the economic cooperation between Georgia and Lithuania, especially in the post-pandemic period, to boost economic growth and people-to-people contacts. In discussing the challenges posed by COVID-19, the parties underlined the importance of access to vaccines. The Prime Minister thanked the President of Lithuania for the decision to donate 15,000 vaccine doses to Georgia.

Lithuania's unequivocal support for Georgia's path toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration was emphasized, and key directions of further joint activities and coordination were outlined. Georgia is preparing to apply for full EU membership in 2024, the Head of Government said and stressed the importance of political and economic reforms to that end. The parties discussed the upcoming NATO Summit, with the issue of Georgia included on its agenda, and expressed hope that the summit's declaration will reflect Georgia's significant progress on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration.

The meeting also paid special attention to the situation in Georgia's occupied territories and problems plaguing the populations along the occupation lines. The President of Lithuania familiarized himself with said concerns during his visit to the village of Khurvaleti. Gitanas Nausėda reassured Irakli Garibashvili of his firm support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Georgia Andrius Kalindra, Chief Adviser to the Cabinet of the President Ieva Ulčickaitė, President's Foreign Adviser Skirmantė Straigienė, and President's Chief Adviser for Communications Raminta Stanaitytė-Česnulienė, while the Georgian side was represented by Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and Georgia's by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Lithuania Levan Ghvachliani.

Press Service of the Government Administration

We appreciate our special relations with Turkey, and we welcome deeper strategic partnership, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated during today's meeting with Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

The meeting emphasized the trilateral format bringing together Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, and pointed out that the uniqueness of this format is demonstrated by the fact that the 8th meeting between the three countries' Foreign Ministers in Tbilisi discusses cooperation across a variety of sectors.

During the meeting between the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Foreign Minister of the republic of Turkey, special emphasis was placed on the next meeting of the two countries' high-level Strategic Cooperation Council to be held in Ankara in early 2020.

The conversation also touched on joint energy and transport projects, including the Southern Gas Corridor, and the importance of its part, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), recently inaugurated in Turkey, and of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railroad.

The Head of Government thanked the Republic of Turkey for firmly supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The meeting also underlined the importance of the cultural cooperation between Georgia and Turkey, and the dynamic of bilateral high-level visits as another demonstration of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister's Press Office

According to the forecasts, economic growth from October 2017 was 5.7%; throughout the first 10 months, the growth was equal to 10% - this positive news was published this morning, - Georgia's governmental administration reports. 

‘This is the best result throughout the whole region and we have to create as much dynamics in economy as possible. I am convinced that signed and planned projects within the frames of Tbilisi Silk Road Forum that was held recently will create even higher dynamics. Pursuant to prognoses provided by all international institutions, next year we will have even higher economic growth, since we have significantly exceeded their expectations this year. Next year we have to take all efforts to exceed their prognoses in a positive light,' Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has declared.

On August 30, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili will hold an official visit to Turkmenistan where the Head of Georgian Government will meet with Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Chair of the Mejlis Assembly Akja Nuberdiyeva.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to pay homage to the memory of the first President of Turkmenistan by laying a wreath at his memorial and to visit  Olympic Village.

Led by the Prime Minister, the Georgian delegation includes First Vice Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Gakharia, Energy Minister Ilia Eloshvili, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Zurab Alavidze, Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Jalaghania, and the Prime Minister's Foreign and Energy Advisers Tedo Japaridze and Gogi Vashakmadze, respectively.