The 2 millionth vehicle produced by Tesla Gigafactory Shanghai rolled off the assembly line on Wednesday, reaching a new milestone, the company said.

 Produced by Xinhua Global Service

Tbilisi, Sep 06, 2023 – Visa, the world leader in digital payments, and Rooms Hotels, world known brand in the hospitality industry from Georgia, announced a new stage in their partnership, engaging Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) expertise and innovative solutions to support Rooms Hotels.  

The new partnership sees VCA playing a key role in providing strategic support to Rooms Hotels by allocating Visa consulting and various other Visa functions in joint projects. The partnership aims at creating exclusive offers for Visa cardholders at Rooms Hotels.

The launch of the new collaboration was marked by the special event held in the Rooms Hotel Courtyard in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi. The happening featured the representatives of Rooms Hotels and Visa, including Valeri Chekheria, Rooms Hotels Lab CEO, Roberto De Meo, Vice President of Visa Consulting & Analytics, CEMEA, and Diana Kiguradze, Visa Regional Manager for the Caucasus Region. 

“Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) Team is delighted to partner with Rooms Hotels, a leading hospitality brand in Georgia and a name known worldwide for its portfolio of innovative and design-oriented hotels that cater to different segments of travelers. VCA's rich global expertise, knowledge, unique insights, and local experience can benefit Rooms Hotels with a deeper understanding of the latest and emerging trends, market dynamics and customer needs in the hospitality industry - all of which are critical to further improve offerings and services to most demanding clients,” Roberto De Meo, Vice President of Visa Consulting & Analytics, CEMEA, said.

VCA represents a major source of value for Visa, with experts in strategy, product, portfolio management, risk, digital, and more with decades of experience in the payments industry.

“We are celebrating yet another great milestone in our years-long partnership with Rooms Hotels.Our companies started collaboration 3 years ago, and together, we've redefined what it means to provide remarkable experiences for guests and Visa cardholders. Customers will get more tailored offers and better customer experiences matching their travel profiles and expectations when staying at Rooms Hotels. Visa remains steadfast in fortifying the local business ecosystem in the country and fostering tourism ecosystem development,” Diana Kiguradze, Visa Regional Manager in the Caucasus Region, said. 

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Valeri Chekheria, Chief Executive Officer. Valeri is a business leader, hospitality consultant and dedicated philanthropist. Before joining Slow end-2021, he led Tbilisi-based Adjara Group building a diverse portfolio of renowned hotels and trend-setting entrepreneurial projects. Prior he served as Chief of Staff to the Georgian Minister of Economic Development and the Minister of Finance. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs. In 2018, Valeri was appointed as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

About Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA)

Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) is the payments consulting arm of Visa. We are a global team of several hundred payments consultants and data scientists across six continents. Our consultants are experts in strategy, product, portfolio management, risk, digital and more with decades of experience in the payments industry. Our data scientists are experts in statistics, advanced analytics and machine learning with exclusive access to insights from VisaNet, one of the largest payment networks in the world. The combination of our deep payments consulting expertise and our breadth of data allows us to identify actionable insights and recommendations that drive better business decisions.

To learn more about VCA, please visit https://www.visa.com.ge/en_GE/services/visa-consulting-analytics.html 

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.

Learn more at visa.com.ge

On September 5, 2023, during the meeting of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the President of the University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata, the prospects for deepening the traditional Turkmen-Japanese cooperation were discussed.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guest conveyed to Arkadag the words of greeting from the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, who highly appreciate the great personal contribution of the National Leader of the Turkmen people to the strengthening of interstate relations.

Conveying his best wishes to the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed confidence that this visit, as well as the meetings held within its framework, would give impetus to the further development of relations between the University of Tsukuba and higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, would become a valuable contribution to the enrichment of the Turkmen-Japanese scientific - educational cooperation.

As is known, in March 2015, Arkadag, who was in Japan on a working visit at that time, was awarded the academic title "Honorary Doctor" of the University of Tsukuba for assistance in the international curriculum for mutual exchange in the field of education and research.

During the current meeting of two prominent scientists and professors, who made a huge personal contribution to the development of science, it was stated that the legal framework of relations between higher educational institutions of the two countries is being consistently strengthened.

Speaking about the opening up broad prospects for further joint work, the interlocutors discussed the opportunities for exchanging experience, training experienced teachers to teach the Japanese language in Turkmenistan and the Turkmen language in Japan.

According to the general opinion, this work is of great importance in the formation of a generation with a broad outlook, the rapprochement of two friendly peoples and the mutual enrichment of cultures.

Such cooperation is very relevant in connection with the expansion of science-intensive industries in our country and the interest of large Japanese businesses in establishing a close investment and technological partnership with Turkmenistan.

It was noted that Turkmenistan, which has huge hydrocarbon reserves, is interested in further building up cooperation with Japanese companies that have extensive experience and modern technologies in the oil and gas and gas chemical industries. Other promising areas are hydrogen production, high technology, ecology and environmental safety, e-sports and others.

During the meeting, attention was also paid to the development of inter-parliamentary relations.

On September 5, 2023, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the President of the Japanese University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guest conveyed warm greetings from the Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan, who expressed the deep interest of the Japanese side in building up the traditional partnership with Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan, in turn, addressed his best wishes in response to the leadership of Japan.

As was especially emphasized, the interstate dialogue will continue to be traditionally based on many years of friendship, trust and mutual understanding. Strengthening the multifaceted and long-term strategic partnership with Japan remains one of the priorities of Turkmenistan's foreign policy.

In this regard, the head of state noted with satisfaction the high level of relations between the two countries and the productivity of established cooperation in political, trade, economic, humanitarian, etc.

The main topic of discussion was the wide prospects for deepening traditional Turkmen-Japanese ties in the field of science and education.

The President of Turkmenistan noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the use of international experience and achievements in improving the education system, highlighting the effective nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan in this direction. This is confirmed by the education of Turkmen youth in Japan, the teaching of the Japanese language in a number of secondary and higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, and the established relations between representatives of science and education.

Noting the established fruitful cooperation between the University of Tsukuba and the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after D.Azadi and the Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan named after Oguz Han, the head of state expressed confidence that this partnership plays an important role in the formation of a modern, well-developed and innovative young generation will continue to develop successfully.

Thanking the head of Turkmenistan for the comprehensive assistance to the development of a multifaceted dialogue between the two countries, the President of the University of Tsukuba, in turn, stressed that the long-term fruitful cooperation was laid by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In this context, it was noted that Arkadag is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Tsukuba and, along with large-scale state activities, has always paid and continues to pay great attention to research work, makes a great personal contribution to the development of Turkmen-Japanese relations.

5 сентября 2023 года в ходе встречи Национального Лидера туркменского народа, Председателя Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедова с Президентом Университета Цукуба Кёсукэ Нагата обсуждены перспективы углубления традиционного туркмено-японского сотрудничества.

В начале встречи гость передал Аркадагу слова приветствия от Императора и Премьер-министра Японии, высоко ценящих большой личный вклад Национального Лидера туркменского народа в укрепление межгосударственных отношений.

Передав наилучшие пожелания Императору и Премьер-министру Японии, Председателя Халк Маслахаты выразил уверенность, что данный визит, а также проведённые в его рамках встречи придадут импульс дальнейшему развитию отношений между Университетом Цукуба и высшими учебными заведениями Туркменистана, станут ценным вкладом в обогащение туркмено-японского научно-образовательного сотрудничества.

Как известно, в марте 2015 года за содействие в международной учебной программе по взаимному обмену в сфере образования и проведения исследований Аркадагу, находившемуся в то время в Японии с рабочим визитом, было присвоено учёное звание «Почётный доктор» Университета Цукуба.

В ходе нынешней встречи двух видных учёных и профессоров, внёсших огромный личный вклад в развитие науки, констатировалось, что последовательно укрепляется договорно-правовая база отношений между высшими учебными заведениями двух стран.

Говоря об открывающихся широких перспективах для дальнейшей совместной работы, собеседники обсудили возможности для обмена опытом, подготовки опытных преподавателей для обучения японскому языку в Туркменистане и туркменскому языку в Японии.

По общему мнению, эта работа имеет важное значение в формировании поколения с широким мировоззрением, сближении двух дружественных народов и взаимном обогащении культур.

Такое сотрудничество является весьма актуальным в связи с расширением в нашей стране наукоёмких производств и заинтересованностью крупного японского бизнеса в установлении тесного инвестиционного и технологического партнёрства с Туркменистаном.

Отмечалось, что Туркменистан, обладающий огромными запасами углеводородов, заинтересован в дальнейшем наращивании сотрудничества с японскими компаниями, располагающими большим опытом и современными технологиями в нефтегазовой и газохимической промышленности. Другими перспективными направлениями видятся производство водорода, область высоких технологий, экология и безопасность окружающей среды, киберспорт и другие.

В ходе встречи также было уделено внимание развитию межпарламентских связей.

On September 5, 2023, an official meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna took place.

During the meeting, issues of intensifying bilateral political and diplomatic relations were discussed. In this context, the possibilities of organizing visits at the state level were also considered.

The Foreign ministries of the two countries exchanged views on the most pressing issues of international and regional politics.

As a result of the meeting R.Meredov and C.Colonna have signed:

• Memorandum of cooperation in the field of education;
• Cooperation program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France for 2024-2026.

Along with this, during the visit of the Turkmen delegation to France the following documents were signed:

• Declaration of friendly agreement on twinning between the cities of Arkadag and Maisons-Laffite;
•  Cooperation agreement between the State bank for foreign economic affairs of Turkmenistan and the Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises – U.B.A.F.

As is known, the delegation of Turkmenistan was on an official visit to Paris at the invitation of the French side.

On September 5, 2023, in frames of the official visit to Paris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Secretary General of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes.

During the meeting, the Turkmen side noted the integrated approach used in Turkmenistan in the development of priority areas, including in the field of exhibition activities. In this context, the head of BIE was informed about the plans for the implementation of the Concept for the development of international exhibition activities of Turkmenistan for 2024-2025, which was approved by the President of Turkmenistan in August 2023.

The parties stressed the importance of exhibition activities in the development of trade and foreign economic relations, as well as strengthening the economic potential of the country and exchanged views on the further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the BIE.

It was highlighted that our country is currently preparing for the participation of the Turkmen side in the International Exhibition "Expo-2023 Doha" in Qatar in 2024, as well as in the World Exhibition "Expo-2025 Osaka" in Japan in 2025.

The BIE Secretary General highly appreciated the relations between Turkmenistan and the International Bureau of Expositions, and also expressed readiness to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in international exhibition activities.

5 сентября 2023 года Президент Туркменистана Сердар Бердымухамедов принял президента японского Университета Цукуба Кёсукэ Нагата.

В начале встречи гость передал тёплые слова приветствия от Императора и Премьер-министра Японии, выразивших глубокую заинтересованность японской стороны в наращивании традиционного партнёрства с Туркменистаном.

Президент Туркменистана, в свою очередь, адресовал ответные наилучшие пожелания высшему руководству Японии.

Как особо подчёркивалось, межгосударственный диалог и впредь будет традиционно основываться на многолетней дружбе, доверии и взаимопонимании. Укрепление многопланового и долгосрочного стратегического партнёрства с Японией остаётся одним из приоритетных направлений внешней политики Туркменистана.

В данной связи глава государства с удовлетворением отметил высокий уровень отношений между двумя странами и продуктивность налаженного взаимодействия в политической, торгово-экономической, гуманитарной и др.

Главной темой обсуждения стали открывающиеся широкие перспективы для углубления традиционных туркмено-японских связей в области науки и образования.

Президент Туркменистана отметил, что в Туркменистане придаётся большое значение использованию международного опыта и достижений в совершенствовании системы образования, особо выделив эффективный характер сотрудничества между Туркменистаном и Японией в данном направлении. Подтверждение тому – обучение туркменской молодёжи в Японии, преподавание японского языка в ряде средних и высших учебных заведений Туркменистана, налаженные связи между представителями науки и образования.

Отметив установившееся плодотворное сотрудничество между Университетом Цукуба и Туркменским национальным институтом мировых языков имени Довлетмаммета Азади и Инженерно-технологическим университетом Туркменистана имени Огуз хана, глава государства выразил уверенность, что это партнёрство, играющее важную роль в формировании современного, хорошо развитого и использующего инновационные технологии молодого поколения, будет и дальше успешно развиваться.

Поблагодарив главу Туркменистана за оказываемое всестороннее содействие развитию многоаспектного диалога двух стран, президент Университета Цукуба в свою очередь, подчеркнул, что многолетнее плодотворное сотрудничество было заложено Национальным Лидером туркменского народа, Председателем Халк Маслахаты Туркменистана Гурбангулы Бердымухамедовым. В данном контексте было отмечено, что Аркадаг является Почётным доктором Университета Цукуба и наряду с масштабной государственной деятельностью всегда уделял и уделяет огромное внимание научно-исследовательской работе, вносит большой личный вклад в развитие туркмено-японских отношений.

On September 5, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Xing Qu held negotiations, during which they discussed current issues of interaction between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, and also exchanged views on the upcoming cooperation agenda.

It was stated that over the years of effective cooperation, the sides have implemented joint activities aimed at popularizing the rich spiritual heritage of the Turkmen people, and actively interacted in the fields of education, science, ecology and nature conservation.

The parties outlined plans to hold a number of joint events on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s accession to UNESCO, as well as the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi.

The Memorandum on Cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNESCO for 2021-2023, signed in 2021, as well as the Framework Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNESCO of 2015 on the creation of a trust fund, for the implementation of which was agreed to develop a joint action plan, were also highlighted.

Expressing their commitment to further expand interaction between Turkmenistan and UNESCO, the parties emphasized that the development of scientific and educational partnership, the continuation of activities to popularize national cultural heritage are key mechanisms of international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

5 сентября 2023 года состоялась официальная встреча министра иностранных дел Туркменистана Рашида Мередова с министром Европы и иностранных дел Франции Катрин Колонной.

В ходе встречи обсуждались вопросы активизации двусторонних политико-дипломатических отношений. В этом контексте, были также рассмотрены возможности организации визитов на государственном уровне.

Главы внешнеполитических ведомств двух стран обменялись мнениями по наиболее актуальным вопросам международной и региональной политики.

По итогам встречи Р.Мередов и К.Колонна подписали:

•  Меморандум о сотрудничестве в области образования;
• Программу сотрудничества между Министерством иностранных дел Туркменистана и Министерством Европы и иностранных дел Франции на 2024-2026 годы.

Наряду с этим, в ходе визита туркменской делегации во Францию были подписаны следующие документы:

• Декларация о дружественном согласии о побратимстве между городами Аркадаг и Мезон-Лаффит;
• Соглашение о сотрудничестве между Государственным банком внешнеэкономической деятельности Туркменистана и Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises – U.B.A.F.

Как известно, делегация Туркменистана пребывала с официальным визитом в Париже по приглашению французской стороны.