Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has joined the leaders of EU institutions, member states, and partner countries to participate in the 6^th Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels.
The Head of Government, in his speech at the summit, reaffirmed the steadfastness of Georgia's European aspirations and European choice, also speaking about the Associated Trio and describing this format as a clear demonstration of one of the partnership's key principles of differentiation. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the cooperation between the Trio and the EU will grow even deeper to help fully tap into the opportunities offered under the Association Agreement. Irakli Garibashvili, in his speech at the summit, focused on the region's security challenges and emphasized the need of the EU's enhanced engagement in conflict-resolution, including toward the full implementation of the August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement mediated by the EU.
At the summit, the EU Reiterated the strategic importance of the Eastern Partnership and the European choice and aspirations of the Associated Partners, also pointing out that the sovereign right of partner countries to define the depth of their relations and the quality of cooperation with EU.
The summit welcomed the effort of the so-called Associated Trio (Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) toward deeper cooperation with the EU, seeking to put in place close coordination with one another in this process, including for the implementation of the Association Agreement and intensification of cooperation under the Eastern Partnership.
The leaders reiterated firm support for partner countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognized borders. Special attention was paid to the region's security situation, emphasizing that blatant violations of international law undermine peace in Europe. In this context, the need to renew efforts toward regulating regional conflicts was emphasized, something also implying the EU's enhanced engagement.
The summit's participants expressed support for differentiation, one of the Eastern Partnership's key principles that defines granting, on an individual basis, EU integration tools to concrete partner countries. In this context, the Associated Trio's gradual integration into the single EU market is planned.
At the summit, the leaders adopted a political declaration expressing full support for pressing priority issues within the scope of the Eastern Partnership. The new agenda of the Eastern Partnership, as part of the declaration, was developed through Georgia's active involvement together with the EU and other partners. Consequently, an ambitious agenda has been set to promote the empowerment of the partner countries' security, economy, institutions, and environmental and digital transformation mechanisms. The new Eastern Partnership agenda, besides maximally strengthening general resilience tools for the Eastern Partnership member states, also involves reaching important short- and medium-term objectives, to be ensured through the new EU External Investment Plan with a volume of 2.3 billion euro (with the potential to attract 17 billion euro in investments). For Georgia, this means stronger transport, energy, and digital connectivity, including through maximally tapping into the Black Sea's potential. Other important projects will be implemented as well to bring tangible results to citizens, including accession to the single euro payments area, reduced roaming fees between the region's countries and with the EU, support for SMEs, including startups, fostering the mobility of students and the academic community, enhanced access to the European Solidarity Corps, Erasmus +, and Horizon Europe programs, and others.
The Eastern Partnership Summit is the highest-level format for dialogue between the EU and the Eastern Partnership member states. Convened one every two years, it involves discussing crucially important strategic and political issues and agreeing them by the relevant parties.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Nick Beresford, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.
The meeting at the Government Administration focused on further strengthening and deepening the productive cooperation between Georgia and the UNDP, underlining the important contribution of the UNDP to strengthening Georgia's democratic processes, economic development, support for environmental protection, and crisis prevention, as well as the importance of UNDP assistance in the fight against COVID-19.
The meeting paid special attention to cooperation with UNDP toward reaching the SDGs, with emphasis on Georgia's efforts toward the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the significance of the new country program document.
The conversation also touched on the UNDP's considerable contribution to the empowerment of Georgia's mechanism for protecting human rights. According to Irakli Garibashvili, the Government is working on the 2nd National Strategy for Protecting Human Rights encompassing a wide array of rights and echoing the progress achieved globally. Nick Beresford pointed out that Georgia's positive steps toward protecting human rights.
The conversation also dealt with the situation in Georgia's occupied territories and the Georgian Government's peaceful conflict-resolution policy. The parties also underscored UNDP humanitarian projects implemented in Georgia's occupied territories, for which the Prime Minister thanked the UNDP Resident Representative.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Major General Vahe Ghazaryan, Chief of Police of the Republic of Armenia, as part of the latter's official visit to Georgia.
The meeting focused on the cooperation between the two countries, notably the productive interaction between the law enforcements of Georgia and Armenia, also partnership in the fight against transnational crime and other security-related challenges.
The conversation revolved around the Georgian Prime Minister's successful mediation resulting in the release of 15 Armenian citizens and the handover of important maps of mined territories to the Azerbaijani side. The Head of Government expressed readiness for continuing active cooperation and emphasized Georgia's support for dialogue to fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.
The meetings singled out the long history of friendly and neighborly relations between the two nations and prospects of expanding the partnership even further.
The meeting at the Administration of the Government was attended by Georgia's Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.

Press Service of the Government Administration 

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, has invited Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili to attend the World Economic Forum to be held in Davos, Switzerland on January 17-21, 2022.
Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, in his official invitation sent to the Head of Georgian Government, speaks of the forum's importance and emphasizes the significance of bringing together the world's political, entrepreneurial, and civil society leaders for cementing future cooperation.

"It is my great pleasure to invite you to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022, which will take place in Davos-Klosters from 17 to 21 January.
It is essential for the world's foremost political, business and civil society leaders to come together once again in order to restore trust in the ability to shape the future in collaborative ways.
Participants would greatly appreciate hearing about your vision how to ensure a sustainable and equitable economic recovery in Georgia.
The Forum will work closely with your office to ensure that your participation is of the greatest relevance for you and Georgia.
I look forward to welcoming you personally in Davos," reads the official invitation sent to the Prime Minister.

Press Service of the Government Administration  

I am really pleased to see many very important reforms in Georgia. It was announced by Sebastian Molineus, Regional Director of the World Bank for the South Caucasus after a meeting with Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia today.

According to Mr. Molineus, Georgia plays a role of a strong leader both in the region and globally.

Irakli Garibashvili and Sebastian Molineus reviewed the projects currently implemented and planned in Georgia with support of the World Bank, along with the assistance received by the country during the COVID pandemic. Significant support of the World Bank demonstrated in the fight against the virus was particularly highlighted.

The Prime Minister of Georgia expressed gratitude to Sabastian Molineus for the effective and productive cooperation with the Government of Georgia, thereby noting that engagement of the World Bank in various sectors of the economy are genuinely appreciated.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, financial resources were allocated by the World Bank over the decades for financing a number of significant projects, totaling to 2.7 BLN USD. Current portfolio of the World Bank consists of 12 active investment projects and Development Policy Operations (DPOs) amounting to 928 MLN USD in total.

It was noted during the discussion that projects oriented towards boosting the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) have given a great stimulus to the economic recovery and gradual resumption of business in Georgia. According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, the country aims to shape into a transport and logistics hub between Europe and Asia, thus making the regional development projects a key priority in the agenda of the government, while the financial support of the World Bank playing a significant role towards this end.

"I was very pleased to meet the Prime Minister. The main focus of the discussion was around the economic reform program and I am really pleased to see many very important reforms that are underway and being launched. The first such reform is around the human capital agenda, where the World Bank jointly with the Government is preparing a major - what I would refer - a transformational reform program to improve health outcomes, particularly addressing the high out-of-pocket costs that many Georgians are faced today, improving the educational outcomes, making sure that the PISA rankings are improved and that we can improve the quality of education from early childhood all the way to a university. And then the number three, addressing important social protection reforms, in particular ensuring that the social protection measures address those families that need it most, in particular families with children. So, this is the human capital agenda and the first main topic that we discussed. The second topic that we discussed was around the ongoing COVID response, making sure that some of the very positive measures that the Government has undertaken as of late - Green Passes, financial incentives for the elderly - are continued and strengthened with a very robust communications campaign to ensure that all Georgians are vaccinated. And number three: We discussed the overall economic and structural reform agenda. What are the reforms to increase the productivity of the Georgian economy, so that it can create more jobs for the people of Georgia? What are some of the reforms that are needed to ensure that growth is sustainable and I am thinking in particular about the climate agenda? And then finally, what is needed to ensure a strong, competitive and digital economy for Georgia? Last, but not least, we discussed the logistics agenda, making sure that when it comes to regional connectivity and integration, that Georgia can be a strong leader not only in the region, but globally as well, given its geopolitical placement in the region" noted Sebastian Molineus.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili hosted members of the Movement of the Enterprises of France at the Government Administration, and introduced them to Georgia's investment opportunities and favorable business environment.

The Head of Government emphasized Georgia's unique location, strategic relations, and FTAs with the EU, the CIS, Turkey, and China, an opportunity for foreign investors to reach multimillion markets freely.

Irakli Garibashvili thanked the French entrepreneurs for visiting Georgia and taking an interest in the country's investment opportunities, also promising investors maximal support from the Government of Georgia.

According to the Prime Minister, the visit by a large delegation of French businesspersons bears witness to France's immense interest in Georgia's market, a fact that must be both commended and cherished.

The delegation of the Movement of the Enterprises of France consists of entrepreneurs involved in infrastructure, construction, engineering, agriculture, energy, and other industries. They are studying prospective investment projects in Georgia. As part of their visit, they are scheduled to meet with various institutions.

The meeting at the Government Administration was attended by France's Ambassador to Georgia Diego Colas, Georgian Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, and Head of the Government Administration Ilia Darchiashvili.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia is participating in the 26^TH United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held on November 1-2, 2021 in Glasgow along with other world leaders. The Head of Government of Georgia has left for the UK with a delegation comprising David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration of Georgia. The Prime Minister will address fellow world leaders participating in the Summit on November 1, 2021 and focus on the significance of joint efforts to be deployed for coping with threats stemming from climate change. Within the scope of the COP26, the Prime Minister of Georgia will hold bilateral meetings as well.

26TH United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will take place in Glasgow from October 31 through November 12, 2021. Within the scope of the world leader summit, heads of states and governments, as well as experts and subject-matter professionals will discuss ways of intensifying and coordinating actions to achieve goals of the Paris Treaty and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Summit engages almost 120 world leaders this year.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Cooperation in the field of defense and current security challenges of the region were among the key topics of discussion by and between Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia and Hulusi Akar, Defense Minister of the Republic of Turkey today.

Meeting held at the Government Administration today focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries and close bilateral relations. It was noted that practical support demonstrated by Turkey for dozens of years have played a significant role in the development of defense forces in Georgia. Attention was paid to the multinational joint military exercise and its importance in advancing the defense mechanisms and threat resistance, along with an active engagement of allies and friends in them. The Prime Minister of Georgia thanked the Defense Minister of Turkey for the unwavering support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as towards membership aspirations to NATO.

Current situation in the region and security issues were also reviewed at the meeting. It was underlined that the Georgian side welcomes the conflict resolution only through the fundamental principles and norms of international law, within the internationally recognized borders, as it has no other alternative.

 Press Service of the Government Administration  

"I voted for the peaceful and stable development of our country" announced Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at N11 Polling Station of Vake Election District today, which he visited together with his charming wife.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, society needs a calm setting, peace, development, prosperity, more jobs, more poverty eradication and ultimately our country will win and our people get united.

"This is the dream and goal of our government. As for in general, on the day of voting, I believe that it will pass in peace. We are mobilized to have it flow in an absolutely peaceful manner. I urge every political party representative to demonstrate responsibility as well and have truly peaceful and exemplary elections to make sure that Georgian democracy gets stronger, along with the Georgian state and our Georgian society" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia started his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan with an interface meeting hosted by President Aliyev at Zagulba Palace today.

High level of strategic partnership existing between the two countries was highlighted at the meeting along with an active political dialogue and intensive cooperation towards trade and economy. President Aliyev thanked Irakli Garibashvili for taking part in the Intergovernmental Council on Economic Cooperation in Baku, thereby noting that Azerbaijan as a friendly nation is happy for the success the Government of Georgia achieved in every field.

"Dear Prime Minister, welcome to Azerbaijan. It is a great joy to host you in our country. It is your second visit this year. We have had several important meetings, discussing a number of issues related to our bilateral relations. Today we are continuing our political dialogue between the two brotherly nations, which is always very active.

We are cooperating rather closely on foreign policy matters in our region. New challenges have emerged, along with new opportunities. Our relations are not only beneficial for our nations, but for the entire region as well.

I have reviewed the statistics and noticed that we have made significant progress in terms of economy and trade volumes. Today we shall hold an Intergovernmental Commission Meeting, which will discuss the current situation and plan steps ahead. It is very promising that Georgia has a positive investment environment and economic reforms, which have addressed a number of social and economic problems.

Congratulations! And as a friendly nation, we take great joy in the success stories of your government in every field. I wish you success personally to you and your government.

Today we are also considering the traditional directions of our cooperation: natural air and oil transportation, as well as implementing projects that are already bringing benefits to us. Through them Azerbaijan and Georgia have developed an outstanding form of cooperation, as these projects are significant not only for our countries, but for many other states of the Eurasian region.

I am confident that your visit today will give a new impetus to our cooperation. Thank you for agreeing to my invitation and once again welcome to Azerbaijan!" stated Ilham Aliyev.

The Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for a warm welcome and hospitality.

Irakli Garibashvili noted that Georgia is keenly interested in strengthening bilateral political, economic, cultural and other types of links with Azerbaijan, along with ensuring peace and stability in the region to ensure economic development.

"Mr. President, thank you very much for your invitation. It is a great joy to visit Baku. Thank you once again for your warm welcome and hospitality. It is an excellent opportunity for discussing our exemplary bilateral relations. As you already noted, we are friendly, brotherly nations.

We will be holding the 8th Meeting of an Intergovernmental Economic Council to discuss our bilateral relations, which are actively advancing even today. Georgia is indeed interested in strengthening our bilateral political, economic, cultural and other types of connections. Our best interests also include peace and stability in the region, which paves the way to a solid economic development.

This is my second visit this year and as Mr. President has noted, we have had conversations over the phone a number of times. Today we are discussing topics related to our future plans. I am confident that this meeting will also be very productive" noted Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration