Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Süleyman Soylu, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Turkey today.

Meeting was focused on the friendly and partnerly relations existing between the two nations. It was noted that since regaining independence, Georgia has regarded Turkey as the most reliable friend. Strategic partnership between Georgia and Republic of Turkey is at a high level and it is important to further advance the current cooperation.

Productive cooperation between the law-enforcement agencies of Georgia and Republic of Turkey was highlighted at the meeting. Discussion was also devoted to the current security environment in the region of South Caucasus, impact of the military activities in Ukraine, need to support peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister of Georgia believes that the latter is a key precondition for an overall development and prosperity in the region. That is the actual aim and goal of the Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative of the Prime Minister of Georgia and it envisages the engagement of all three countries of the South Caucasus.

The Head of Government of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Turkey for the unwavering support of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia.

Süleyman Soylu conveyed warm greetings from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey to Irakli Garibashvili.

Meeting held at the Government Administration was attended by H.E Fatma Ceren Yazgan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Georgia and Vakhtang Gomelauri, Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Peter Hultqvist, Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden today.

Meeting was focused on the friendly and partnerly relations existing between the two countries, particularly in the field of defense. It was highlighted that the 30TH Anniversary of diplomatic relations restored between Georgia and Kingdom of Sweden is celebrated in 2022, which once again evidences the solid partnership of the two nations.

Also, dignitaries discussed the official EU Membership Application filed by Georgia. The Prime Minister underlined the special importance of support from allies in this process. According to Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia appreciates the Swedish support towards the irreversible EU integration and European reform agenda.

Peter Hultqvist reassured the Prime Minister of Georgia in the support of the Kingdom of Sweden towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

Meeting held at the Government Administration was also devoted to the discussion of military activities currently witnessed in Ukraine. It was noted that Georgia demonstrates political support and solidarity towards Ukraine, inter alia in the international formats. Role of maximum efforts of the international community was stressed as a way of ending the war in the earliest possible manner.

Meeting was attended by the H.E. Ulrik Tideström, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Georgia; Johan Lagerlof, Director of Defense Policy Department and Juansher Burchuladze, Minister of Defense of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

The ruling party has numerously found itself in the light political ditch in recent years. In the majority of cases it could manage to get out of it for at least some time and gain height in the clouds of the dream again. After the full-scale war of Russia against sovereign Ukraine it became obvious that the ruling party is quickly approaching the deep political pit which, at this time is for a long period of time and even forever.

The reason for this is the dry statement with which he directly contradicted the modern world. To be more specific, on February 25^th, the day of making Georgia soviet, PM Garibashvili stated that taking national interests into consideration, the country does not join the sanctions imposed by many world countries towards Russia.     

The special statement narrative of PM Garibashvili indirectly justifies fierce and barbarian actions of Russia in Ukraine and is made to please Putin’s sinful passions. The important thing is that part of society which before were extremely critically inclined towards Russia, hold the neutral side today and act mute like fearful mice.

Instead of our government to express growing hatred against the invaders, its political inclinations changed gradually and Russian companies closely related to Kremlin in recent years won various types of tenders of public procurement in Georgia amounting to up to one billion laris. I would like to let everyone know that this specific fact is the quality of the Russian soft power.

The fact that the government of Georgia supports people of Ukraine is false and cynical. The scheme played out by them is actually built on pleasant interpretations and directly affects the certain part of people who are yet positively inclined towards bloody Russia.  

At the same time, as it is already known, this statement of the prime minister was followed by lifting economic sanctions by Russia on Georgian milk and wine. I would like to let everyone know that this specific fact is the quality of the Russian soft power. It is not excluded that quite soon direct flights to Russia are back which will presumably be made by air company Georgian Airways. This will again be followed by cynical statements from authorities about the fact that direct flights will promote development of Georgian economy and tourism, regulating relations with the Russian federation and strengthening people ties. I would like to let everyone know that this specific fact is the quality of the Russian soft power.

The prime minister committing such an evil thing thinks in vain that by making statements pleasing Kremlin, he will get rid of the problem. However, he is not even aware that the power of word is great and he sacrifices himself for the political torture.  

P.S. You, being an adult, could not yet manage to realize the most critical condition in Ukraine. I am confident that freedom-loving people of Georgia will soon make a deserved verdict and assist in realizing that your verbal assault against the Ukrainian president in hostilities is equal to declaring war. Would it be safe for Georgia?              

The negative statement of the prime minister of Georgia about the war in Ukraine is not a message only for the Georgian population. It is a clear message for our strategic partners as well.

Therefore, in order to exactly diagnose the statements of PM Garibashvili, I have a request to the diplomatic corps to make a better analysis of these hypocritical actions.

Freedom Always Wins - March 11, 2022

Today marks the birthday of Zhiuli Shartava, Georgia's national hero and a most prominent political figure and statesman of our time.

The finest representative of his generation and a true son of his homeland, Shartava, with his exceptional honor, patriotism, and education, fought to the last to ensure unity between Georgians and Abkhazians.

"With even one person like him, Georgia is destined to survive," these words from a letter to His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II belong to an unspecified Abkhazian who witnessed Zhiuli Shartava's heroic feats.

Zhiuli Shartava's steadfastness and self-sacrifice for his homeland are an example to be followed by all of us and our future generations.

Glory to our heroes!

Irakli Garibashvili

Prime Minister of Georgia

It is a historic day for Georgia - we are signing an Application for EU Membership on behalf of the country. Application for EU Membership is yet another milestone on the path of European integration of Georgia - it is a stage, which turns a new page in our history and continues the effort of our ancestors, which is aimed at the accession of Georgia into a common European family.

Georgia is a European state. Our country has always belonged to European culture and civilized space throughout its long history, and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development. Being European is nothing, but a unity of values and principles, which shape Europe. History of Georgia, which is a track record of fights and battles for freedom, is an evidence of these values being enshrined in the character of a Georgian person and therefore an undividable part of its identity.

History has deemed the European choice of the Georgian people as its strategic aim. Since gaining its independence, our country has been consistently progressing and this day is yet another manifest of our effort.

Today Georgia is closer to the EU as never before.

In 2014, when I signed the Association Agreement between the European Union and Georgia in the capacity of the Prime Minister of Georgia, we assumed a tremendous responsibility towards our country and people to successfully start our journey of European integration and to make a strong and solid foundation to the eventual Europeanisation of our country.

It deserves pride to have a consistent performance of our authorities and public support since 2014, Georgia is successfully delivering its commitments assumed under the EU Association Agreement in the capacity of an Associated Partner and has made significant progress towards legislative, economic and political approximation with the EU.

Democracy, rule of law, human rights and good governance have already turned into the essence of our daily existence. We are actively introducing European norms and standards in every field of our political, economic and social life.

Citizens of our country are benefiting from a visa-free travel arrangement within the EU/Schengen zone, which is a remarkable opportunity for a close interaction of our societies and nations.

Free trade with the EU enables us to achieve a gradual economic integration into one of the largest markets of the world. Modernization of the country in line with the European standards in a whole range of sectors has become irreversible.

Unwavering quest towards building the European democracy and accession to the EU is a step made towards unification of Georgia. I believe that we will be taking the journey of EU integration together with our Abkhazian and Ossetian compatriots and will build a united, strong European state together with them.

Sometimes, questions are posed in Europe on Georgia being a country of European culture or not, however the answer to this question is crystal clear to all in Georgia. Georgia is truly one of the oldest countries in the world.

According to the definition of a French enlightener Paul Valéry on a country of European identity, whereby he listed three main criteria: influence of Greek-Roman culture, Christian beliefs and democratic tradition. According to these criteria, Georgia is indeed a deserving member of the European space, European family.

Georgian people taking great pride in their ancient culture and history dating back thousands of years, have always been oriented towards Europe and remained loyal to its values. At the dawn of the 20^th century, Georgian people created a most democratic, European state based on European values, while its essence and Constitution was compatible with current criteria of Europe with high precision.

National independence and statehood regained in 1991 was based on the same Constitution of Georgia, European values and became predominantly oriented towards Europe.

European future is a program and uncontested action plan of every Government of Georgia entrusted by the people of Georgia.

In closure, let me quote the words of a celebrated Georgian scientist and author of the European Constitution - Mikheil Muskhelishvili (aka Michel Mouskhely), as he was the man who was ahead of time and predicted the European union by being conscious believer in the idea of a unified Europe. "Georgia knows that it belongs to Europe. Now Europe should make conclusions. It is essential for Georgia to get established within Europe, while the western nations - need to admit Georgia into their family".

These words as never before apply to the current reality. We hope and strongly believe that a historic process is getting its foundation laid today, which will lead to the accession of Georgia into the European family.

God be our protector!

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Mustafa Şentop, Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey today.

Dignitaries discussed the strategic partnership existing between the two countries, which is at the highest level today. It was noted that the 30TH Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations is marked this year and a number of events are planned to celebrate the jubilee.

Meeting was also related to economic cooperation. It was noted that Turkey remains to be the Number One Trade Partner of Georgia. It was highlighted that existing regional projects are clear evidence of an effective strategic cooperation between Georgia and Turkey.

The Prime Minister of Georgia and Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey discussed topics of regional cooperation, along with the Peaceful Neighborhood Policy of the Prime Minister of Georgia that will serve as a significant platform of dialogue and will facilitate the normalization of regional relations.

Readiness was expressed at the meeting towards a further augmentation of the strategic partnership and it was also noted that the positive trend of high-level visits is a welcoming development.

The Chairman of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey once again confirmed the solid support of Turkey towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has a new head - Levan Davitashvili, who has been appointed as Minister. The Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili at a briefing held at the Government Administration presented the new Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development to the public. As the Prime Minister noted, Levan Davitashvili will also retain the position of the Vice Prime Minister.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister, Mr. Irakli Gharibashvili, for the confidence he has shown and to each member of the team for the cooperation and support I have had over the years, which was a necessary condition for us to carry out agricultural or environmental reforms and make the Ministry a success. I would also like to thank each and every employee, whose great efforts and involvement allowed us to achieve what we have achieved in terms of environmental protection or agricultural reform,” – Levan Davitashvili stated.

Davitashvili also thanked the former head of the Ministry, Natia Turnava, for her successful work at the position of Minister of Economy. As Levan Davitashvili noted, Natia Turnava's activity coincided with a very difficult time when the pandemic changed the economic situation of the whole world and created special challenges in terms of economic development.

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili named the rapid economic development and the increase of employment as his main tasks at this post.

“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, with the great efforts of the Ministry of Economy, we have been able to restore the economy on the one hand - we have really returned to the pre-pandemic rate. However, we have very large tasks, plans and commitments towards our population - to provide rapid economic development and create maximum employment opportunities, which is directly related to increasing the income of the population and improving the welfare,” – Levan Davitashvili noted.

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia is scheduled to participate in the Munich Security Conference (MSC) along with the world leaders, which will be held in Germany during February 18-20, 2022.

The Head of Government of Georgia was invited to the milestone event of the year by Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of MSC.

High-level bilateral meetings of the Prime Minister of Georgia are planned within the scope of the conference at the political level as well as with businesses and chief executives of largest corporations of the world.

MSC is a leading forum of the world for a discussion of international security policies, which gathers over 450 decision-makers and leaders from around the globe in February of every year to discuss all the crucial matters of the international security policy.

The Georgian delegation led by the Prime Minister of Georgia includes David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Juansher Burchuladze, Minister of Defence of Georgia and Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Prime Ministers of Georgia and Azerbaijan held a phone conversation today.
Irakli Garibashvili and Ali Asadov highlighted the strategic partnership existing between the two countries and the positive trend of bilateral cooperation advancing in various directions. Significance of regional projects was underlined during the telephone conversation, as they were implemented with joint engagement of Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Dignitaries confirmed their readiness to further deepen and advance the mutually-beneficial cooperation.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan expressed solidarity to the Head of Government of Georgia in relation to the earthquake occurring last night, which was responded with gratitude from Irakli Garibashvili.

Press Service of the Government Administration

The Legal Issues Committee started the hearing of the Candidates – Emzar Gagnidze and Karlo Katsitadze nominated by the Prime Minister for the vacant position of the Chief of the Special Investigation Service.

“We will have questions to both candidates concerning their professionality and experience, as well as their plans and visions. This process is maximally transparent and allows our society to observe the hearings”, - the Chair of the Committee, Anri Okhanashvili stated.

After the hearing, the candidates will be voted at the plenary session. Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, the Parliament elects the SIS Chief with a majority of full composition with the term of 6 years.

On December 30, 2021, the changes introduced to the Law on State Inspector Service and the Law on Personal Data Protection entailed the establishment of two independent agencies – Special Investigation Service, and Personal Data Protection Service.