"Honorable Prime Minister, My Dear Friend! Distinguished Members of the Georgian Delegation! Media Representatives! My cordial welcome to you all! I am delighted to have the honor of welcoming Mr. Garibashvili and his accompanying delegation in Ankara today. Mr. Prime Minister has already visited Turkey in his previous capacities as Minister of Interior and Minister of Defense of Georgia. He is a leader, who knows our country well. This year is significant as we are marking the 100TH Anniversary of diplomatic presence of Georgia in Ankara and 30TH Anniversary of Regained Independence of Georgia. We discussed significant topics of our bilateral relations with Mr. Prime Minister at a face-to-face meeting, which was followed by discussions between our delegations. Turkey has been a Number One trade partner for Georgia in the past 14 years. Irrespective of the fact that 2020 has seen a slight decline in trade volumes, we still aim to increase the trade turnover to 3 000 000 000 USD in the nearest future. Negotiations and consultations are also in progress towards extending a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). At the same time, we are strongly committed to increase the trade potential and to advance cooperation between our customs administrations. Same applies to the energy sector and all other areas, which benefit of Turkish investments in the total volume of 214 000 000 000 USD. We have projects of great significance implemented with and in Georgia, which transform the region altogether. South Gas Corridor is among such strategic projects. We created this platform on the grounds of it. We have initiated multilateral cooperation through interconnecting mechanisms and various combination corridors. I need to note that we have built a corridor within this scope and it is currently labeled as the East-West Corridor connecting the Caspian Sea from the Caucasus to China through Turkey.

One of the key segments of the Silk Road, being Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway, transports international cargo from our country and Russia. We discussed the prospect of increasing this railway throughput via Marmaray Tunnel.

We also discussed the fight against terrorism, particularly focusing on the efforts against the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETO).

We exchanged our views on regional matters. Turkey regards Georgia as a key to regional cooperation. We strongly believe to have all the means to carry out various efforts to strengthen and increase the significance and peace in our region. Within the scope of this endeavor, tripartite cooperation is very important with the engagement of Azerbaijan. Turkey supports any tripartite cooperation - be that Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia or Georgia-Azerbaijan-Turkey. We also made a decision to hold a high-level meeting of the strategic council any time soon this year and we instructed Foreign Affairs Ministries of Georgia and Turkey to work on the timeframe. We continue to make bold steps forward by using the available mechanisms. With this mindset, I express hopes and remain confident that our views and meeting will facilitate and develop the current relations between our nations."

IRAKLI GARIBASHVILI, PRIME MINISTER OF GEORGIA:

"Let me greet You and the host nation. I also greet the media representatives. It is my honor to be visiting you. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you for such a warm welcome.

Turkey has been an utterly important friendly country and strategic partner for us.

You noted very rightly that Turkey has been a Number One trade partner for Georgia over many years now. We have jointly implemented such significant projects as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK), Tbilisi-Erzurum. We have just had a very productive discussion, covering practically every topic related to the cooperation between our two nations. I wish to use this opportunity and publicly express my gratitude personally to you for supporting the sovereignty of our country. Also, I wish to note that Turkey has always been supporting the sovereignty of Georgia and its aspiration towards NATO membership in every existing format. I also wish to echo the statement made by the President in relation to the upcoming meeting of the strategic council, which I truly look forward to. Destiny has made our three nations - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey - interdependent. We have very strong cooperation, partnership and - what is most important - friendship. Very strong basis exists for implementing more joint projects in future both in bilateral and trilateral formats.

Naturally, we touched upon the current situation in the region. I shared information about the development of events in my country. Logically, we talked about the occupation as well. Of course, peace has no alternative. Every conflict should be resolved through peace. With this optimistic note and attitude, I wish to once again assure you - Mr. President - that we stand ready to work, cooperate and implement a lot of projects together in a very active manner. Once again thank you very much! It is our great desire to see you in Tbilisi any time soon."

 Press Service of the Government Administration

The Official Visit of Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia to the Republic of Armenia has started.

A welcoming ceremony was held at the Residence of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

The Head of Government of Georgia was hosted by Nikol Pashinyan, incumbent Prime Minister of Armenia.

National anthems of the two countries were performed.

Prime Ministers are scheduled to make statements to the media after a face-to-face and extended meetings between Irakli Garibashvili and Nikol Pashinyan at the residence of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

As noted by the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, a new plan of economic recovery is required in the difficult situation created by the novel Coronavirus and foreign investments acquire special importance in it. This will be the main duty of his Special Adviser. Mr. Hudak will be actively working towards this end. Namely, Vazil Hudak will focus on the mobilization of foreign public and private support for the New Economic Strategy of the Government of Georgia. He will interact with the European Union (EU), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other international financial institutions (IFIs) as well as international businesses, investment funds and banks.

Vazil Hudak will center his efforts on select strategic, priority investment projects and will ensure the engagement of corporate and individual foreign investors.

"Today, I wish to introduce to you my Special Adviser - Mr. Vazil Hudak. He will work on foreign investments to Georgia. You may well be aware that we are working on a New Plan of Economic Recovery in the difficult situation created by the novel Coronavirus. Foreign investments will have a leading role in the future growth and economic development of Georgia. Country needs investments, which means that a quick recovery of the economy will follow. More people will get employed. More income will be generated by our citizens. Hence, we selected Mr. Vazil Hudak for being a great friend of Georgia and for his successful career as a Vice President (VP) of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ministers of Economy and Finance of Slovakia. Prior to these, he worked at private banks: JP Morgan, Citibank. I wish to tell you that Mr. Hudak knows Georgia very well. He frequently visited our country in the capacity of the Vice President of the European Investment Bank. He knows our economic team pretty well. I also wish to note that Mr. Hudak was appointed as an EU Envoy for SME yesterday. He already held meetings with Ministers of the Economic Team of Georgia. His goal is to mobilize foreign public and private support for our New Economic Strategy. He will focus on the select strategic priority investment projects. For effective performance, he will interact with the EU, IMF, World Bank, EIB, EBRD and other IFIs. Also, he will work with international businesses, investment funds and banks.

Considering our current strategy, we highly value the European policies for SME. It will be implemented with the vision and professional advice of Mr. Hudak. Hence, I wish to once again express my gratitude to Mr. Hudak for accepting this offer and I am convinced that we will jointly reach the results that are now needed for our country" stated Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia.

As Vazil Hudak noted, he will work as an Envoy of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the development and advancement of the country in support of the Government of Georgia.

"First of all, I feel greatly honored to be back again. Georgia is very close to my heart and as the Prime Minister has noted, I have been to Georgia many times in different capacities. Most recently, I was visiting Tbilisi as a Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is among the largest investors in Georgia and Georgian economy. I have a great honor to work for the development of the country - this time as an Envoy of the Prime Minister of Georgia in support of the Government.

We have to operate in a difficult period together. It is true for Europe and globally. It is due to COVID. However, I believe that difficult times present us with opportunities as well. We have an opportunity now to grow and develop in many different directions, create better quality in various areas, attract support from the USA, EU and other countries. We know how to recover the economy through investments, more economic development and advancement. I believe that this is the future of Georgia as well in the EU. The Prime Minister of Georgia already announced that I am an EU Envoy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). It is aimed as an endeavor for greater resilience and 50 billion Euros have been allocated for the program. It has 2 main aspects: digitalization and green or environmental initiative to address climate change. These are the future directions of Georgia as well - to become more digital, more modern and greener. I believe that Georgia will thus come closer to Europe and it is the major aspiration of the Government of Georgia too. I met all Ministers of the Economic Team to discuss all challenges faced in the process and studied various needs and challenges. Public funds are not sufficient to meet all these needs and that is why it is so important to mobilize other resources thereby engaging the private sector in the process. That is exactly where I see my role, to help the Government of Georgia in finding ways to mobilize other resources. International support will bring more benefit to the Government of Georgia. I see this goal achieved through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as well, which will benefit the Georgian economy. I indeed have a great honor to serve the country and Georgian people in the capacity of an Adviser of the Prime Minister of Georgia. It is an opportunity for strengthening ties between EU and Georgia. I take this mission very confidently" noted Vazil Hudak upon his appointment.

Vazil Hudak has a long career track record in working for the public and international financial sectors. He is currently Adviser to the Government of the Czech Republic on the Establishment of a National Development Fund. Also, he serves as a Deputy Chairman of GLOBSEC. At various times, Mr. Hudak was a Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic, Vice President of Economic and Financial Committee within the Council of the EU, Chief Negotiator for the EU Budget (SK EU PRES 2016), Chairman of the Board at the Slovak Investment Holding and Slovak Guarantee and Development Bank, Member of the Council of the International Bank for Reconstruction and International Investment Bank, Industry Head of Public Sector for the Central and Eastern Europe at J.P. MORGAN CHASE, Vice President of CITIGROUP, Vice President of the EASTWEST INSTITUTE. Vazil Hudak holds an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as JUDr in International Law.

Press Service of the Government Administration 

The Georgian Prime Minister's visit to Baku started with today's face-to-face meeting with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev hosted Irakli Garibashvili at ZagulbaPalace.

The parties focused on the strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries, also pointing out successful joint projects of regional importance.

"Mister Prime Minister, welcome to Azerbaijan. We are very glad to see you. I am sure this visit will be very successful and will strengthen our brotherly relations. Relations between our peoples are based on centuries of history of good neighborhood. This is a very good basis for developing our relationship, which demonstrates a very good dynamic and covers many areas. We are very glad that you are visiting us. I wish you good health. I know that you recently had coronavirus, so there was a little delay in your visit to Azerbaijan. I am glad that you have recovered fast.

We have a very good history of the implementation of joint projects, like energy projects and transportation projects. These projects have changed the map of the region-political, economic, transportation map.

Without strong partnership between our countries, the implementation of these projects would be impossible.

The last day of the past year was the last day of the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project, which has tremendous importance for development, stability, predictability, and cooperation not only in the Caucasus, but in the wider region. Without our cooperation, nothing would be possible.

I am very grateful to the Georgian Government for continuous support in the implementation of this important project. And other initiatives that we have launched together are success stories. I am sure that this tradition will continue. I just looked at some data and saw that Azerbaijan continues to be one of the biggest investors in Georgia's economy. And that is also a sign of the reforms which your Government is implementing and creating a very positive investment climate. I know that many Azerbaijani companies are willing to work in your country, and I am sure that it will happen.

Today we will review what we have achieved and plan our future steps. Once again, welcome! We wish you the best!" Ilham Aliyev stated.

The Head of Georgian Government thanked the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for hospitality and invited him for an official visit to Georgia at his convenience.

"Thank you, Mister President for receiving me. It is a great pleasure to see you again in Baku. As you mentioned, because of my coronavirus, we had to postpone my visit. But I am glad that we are here today in Baku.

You mentioned that we have an excellent relationship, and our relationship counts centuries. And I want to repeat the words of your father who once said in Tbilisi: "Destiny has designated, and actually we are lucky that we are neighbors, that Georgian and Azerbaijani people are neighbors." This is our destiny, so we are interconnected and interdepended.

As you mentioned, we have executed some of the most important, historical projects together. Therefore, we are absolutely determined and motivated to continue implementing more projects together, and that will strengthen our relationship and brotherhood. Once again, I would like to thank you for hosting our official delegation in Baku. And I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to Tbilisi at your convenience," Irakli Garibashvili said.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) held a telephone conversation today.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, active negotiations are progressing with international partners and pharmaceutical companies on the delivery of additional doses of COVID vaccines to the country in the shortest period of time. During the phone conversation, the Prime Minister of Georgia underlined the profound importance of WHO support in the process.

Dignitaries reviewed the situation witnessed globally and in Georgia during the pandemic caused by COVID-19 and assessed the performance of vaccination in the country.

Irakli Garibashvili underlined the profound importance of WHO support in the fight against COVID-19 and expressed his sincere gratitude to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the support demonstrated to the country.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili will participate in the 6^th meeting of the Georgia-EU Association Council, in Brussels. The Government delegation led by the Head of Government departed for Brussels today.

The visit includes high-level meetings in the European Commission, the European Council and the Parliament, and NATO.

Irakli Garibashvili will hold his first meeting today, with President of the European Council Charles Michel.

On March 16, after the Georgia-EU Association Council's meeting, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhely will hold a joint press conference.

On March 17, high-level meetings will be held in the European Parliament and NATO. The Head of Georgian Government will be hosted by the Alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, at NATO headquarters. After the meeting, Irakli Garibashvili and Jens Stoltenberg will hold a joint press conference. The NATO-Georgia Commission is also scheduled to convene.

The Georgian delegation led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili consists of Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, and Justice Minister Gocha Lortkipanidze.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili addressed “healthy” parts of the opposition on February 23 evening, saying “we are ready for real dialogue at any time and in any format.”

The new-old Prime Minister proposed to “all reasonable opposition forces to enter the Parliament, so that we may use the country’s legislature as the main platform for discussion.” PM Garibashvili also said enforcing the law and the detention of Nika Melia, chair of the largest opposition UNM party was “a necessary condition for the reduction of radicalism in politics.”

Civil.ge offers opposition reactions to Garibashvili’s statement, as political crisis runs deep and tensions run high in the country.

Zaal Udumashvili of the United National Movement said „We are ready to sit down at the negotiating table, provided that Nika Melia will also be sitting at the table.”

European Georgia’s Giga Bokeria wondered: “How could the man, openly calling for the destruction of all the opponents, be [regarded] the supporter of a dialogue?!”

• Georgian Politicians React to UNM Office Raid, Melia Detention
• Police Storm UNM Office, Detain Nika Melia
• PM-Designate Garibashvili Prioritizes Restoring “Order” 

Zurab Japaridze of the right-libertarian Girchi – More Freedom party said Garibashvili’s speech represents “a Russian and a criminal approach,” implying “I will imprison you, bully you and then I will come to talk to you.” This approach will not work out for them, Japaridze asserted. 

He reiterated the opposition’s pre-conditions for the Georgian Dream government to stop “political persecution,” to release “political prisoners” and to hold new elections.

Lelo for Georgia’s Badri Japaridze said on his part: “I could not see a sign [in Garibashvili’s statement] for them [GD] to be truly eager to normalize the situation.”

During his confirmation hearing on February 22, Garibashvili called the major opposition parties’ parliamentary boycott “a deliberate sabotage against our state.” He then ruled out “categorically” any talks about holding snap elections.

Source: https://civil.ge/archives/400715

The Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili made a statement, which we propose without change: 

"My dear compatriots, We all have a homeland in common; we are the children of one country.
Georgia is facing challenges of the utmost importance today. The pandemic has further complicated the already difficult economic and social situation of our country and our people. We are also facing significant geopolitical challenges, as well as foreign policy goals.
We must all unite around these goals and challenges, regardless of our political beliefs and views.
One hundred years after the loss of the independence of the First Republic of Georgia and the Sovietization of Georgia, we must once again remember that the state and its independence are the greatest achievements for every one of us. Our statehood is also a necessary condition for Georgia's Western integration. Therefore, protecting the state and its laws is a duty and a responsibility shared by each and every one of us.
Yesterday, I presented the future vision of the government in the Parliament of Georgia. However, against the backdrop of a deliberate, insulting campaign against law enforcement officials - the hero police officers - I mainly had to talk about the destructive actions of the opposition, in addition to our common goals and challenges.
Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs enforced a law, which was a necessary condition for the reduction of radicalism in politics and the establishment of fair relations.
The people's reaction to the enforcement of the law has confirmed that the rule of law is the main priority for the Georgian public. However, we are not counting the number of people gathered for the demonstration. Every citizen of our country is precious to us.
Today, now that the law has been enforced and the state has taken its due place, I would like to call on all political forces who hold the country dear to open a real and earnest dialogue and to talk not about what divides us, but about what must unite us.
Against the backdrop of the challenges facing the country, it is time for dialogue, not confrontation. I propose that all reasonable opposition forces enter Parliament, so that we may use the country's legislature as the main platform for discussion. As I mentioned yesterday, we are ready for real dialogue at any time and in any format.
Together, we must ensure the consolidation of our statehood and independence, the further strengthening of the democratic system, the overcoming of social and economic problems, and Georgia's integration into the European Union and NATO.
Our country has no time to lose.
Today is not the time for division - it is the time for unification.
May God be our protector!", - says the prime minister of Georgia.

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia has resigned. He made his resignation statement at a special briefing at the government administration.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned citing disagreement with his party colleagues over the detention of Nika Melia, leader of UNM. This follows the Tbilisi City Court’s decision to send United National Movement’s Nika Melia, Chairperson of the largest opposition party, to pretrial detention.

“Unfortunately, I could not reach a common understanding on this matter with my team and decided to resign. I want to hope, that this step would contribute to reduced polarisation in our political space, since I believe that polarization and confrontation pose the greatest risks to our country’s future and economic development,” G. Gakharia stated.

G. Gakharia’s statement said that while Melia had “never respected the law” and called “for the storming of the Parliament” on June 20, the decision to detain him poses unacceptable risks, and unduly complicates the task of economic recovery and the management of pandemic.

Today, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia held a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The conversation focused on the situation in the region, including the latest developments, and Georgia's key role in the region's economic development and regional stability alike.

The parties also discussed bilateral and regional relations. In the context of bilateral relations, special emphasis was placed on the trade and economic ties between the two countries, also the importance of cementing their transit and transport communications, tapping into the potential in these areas, and dealing with area-specific difficulties in a timely manner.

The dialogue also touched on the pandemic-related situations and future plans in both countries.
The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirmed strong support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The meeting at the Government's Administration was attended by Georgia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili.

Press Service of the Government Administration