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

Irrespective of the fact that we all understand the prudence of measures taken so far, we need to make this decision and retain them till February 1. It was stated by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Executive Government Meeting today.

As also noted by him, targeted restrictions resulted in a positively declining trend, though 1500 cases a day is still a high indicator for a country like Georgia.

"Almost a year has passed since we all together started a fight against the pandemic and this process continues both domestically and globally. As of today, we have 1177 cases resulting from the targeted restrictions that were imposed to lead to such a positively declining trend over 2 recent months. Nevertheless, we should all understand that in absolute numbers about 1500 COVID-19 cases a day is still a high number for Georgia. Irrespective of the fact that we all understand the prudence of measures taken so far, we need to make this decision and retain them till February 1. We all see what is happening in Europe. Situation is worsening everywhere. Restrictions are getting tighter elsewhere, though we will extend the current restrictions in the country till February 1 in this case" noted Giorgi Gakharia.

According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, relevant agencies subordinated to the Ministry of Health are actively working with representatives of the real economy and businesses to come up with specific measures and to create a possibility for reopening the economy as early and effectively as possible.

"These are test schemes, matters relating to vaccination and others. The Ministry of Health will be submitting a plan that we worked on together with representatives of real economy and businesses. We will have to slightly adjust our scheme of work for the upcoming phase to make sure that our fight with the epidemic gets successful, enabling us to effectively reopen the economy. We see 3 new priorities in the fight with the pandemic. First one is to adjust the scheme of testing. You may well be aware that the volume of testing has been increased in the country and we should continue doing so. Second and equally important is to maintain targeted restrictions wherever needed, which have served to be effective. Vaccination is of course among our priorities" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, citizens will have all the quality vaccines that get authorization by the applicable international organizations.

"A lot of nonsense has been rumoured in relation to vaccination and we cannot even guess where these ideas or information come from. Designated Commission is established on matters related to vaccination, which is led by the Ministry of Health. The Commission has several aims and goals to achieve. First one is to address all the issues related to logistics. You may well be aware that different vaccines have different logistic regimes. Also, everything should be prepared for the readiness of the country to launch the actual vaccination. Second one is to define those target groups that will be vaccinated as a priority in the first instance. Third one is to ensure the supply of quality vaccines of international authorisation as early as possible not only through COVAX platform, but through other means as well. First two goals have already been dealt with by the Ministry of Health and a plan exists. They will be submitting it to the Council on Monday and will be endorsed at the upcoming Executive Government Meeting. Thus, no basis exists for any question marks. I once again stress that citizens of Georgia are to receive all those quality vaccines that will be authorised by applicable international organizations" stated Giorgi Gakharia.

In addition, targeted social assistance of citizens continues and applications are being lodged from individuals, who lost jobs in the second wave of the pandemic.

The Prime Minister of Georgia also explained that social allowances will be paid from January 28, 2021.

"It is 1200 GEL for 6 months. I wish to urge every citizen of the country to lodge their applications as soon as possible. As of today, 45 000 such applications have been uploaded to our portal" noted Giorgi Gakharia.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia has ruled to continue helicopter flights to Tusheti. Applicable permission was issued today by the Government to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the Executive Government Meeting.

"Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia should be given permission to continue helicopter flights to Tusheti. You may well be aware that it has a very important social significance for our citizens living in high terrain regions of the country, especially in winter and especially in Tusheti. Relevant means of mobility should be provided. It has been ensured for years by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with support of the Government and this program continues" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.

The Head of Government of Georgia also commented on the recent incidents occurring in Buknari village. In the opinion of Giorgi Gakharia, religious diversity is a wealth of the country and authorities are prepared to act in the most decisive manner every time an attempt occurs causing friction between the citizens of Georgia on religious grounds.

"Religious diversity is a historic reality and it is our wealth. We have been building our statehood over centuries. The Government of Georgia has always been and will remain to be a guarantor for each citizen to exercise their human freedoms and rights as promulgated in the Constitution of Georgia. We will never let anyone to limit human freedoms and rights in any form, though will neither allow anyone to provoke a friction between community members on religious grounds with any unlawful action. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has already been instructed on this matter. The State and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia will act in the most decisive manner wherever a slight, plain attempt occurs leading to or provoking a friction between community members on religious grounds" concluded the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Current COVID restrictions will be maintained till February 1. It was decided by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Government Administration today.

As instructed by the Head of Government of Georgia, intensive meetings will be held with business owners prior to the gradual removal of restrictions to make sure that maximum preparedness and high standards of public safety exist by that time in the trade sector and public transportation.

Inter-Agency Coordination Council also discussed the

Discussions were held at the Council Meeting on the current epidemic situation in the country, along with current efforts taken for the uninterrupted flow of the vaccination process. It was noted that the community transfer rate is stabilising as a result of imposed restrictions, though it should not relax us. Compliance with all the issued recommendations, including the social distancing and uniform wearing of face masks, remains vital.

Steps made by the Specialized Task Force established with the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the uninterrupted flow of COVID vaccination process in the country have been discussed at the meeting today as well. It was noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia are engaged in the negotiations held on behalf of the State with international partners and pharmaceutical companies to make sure that first dozes of the COVID vaccine reach the country as early as possible.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council also discussed the steps made by the Designated Commission established under the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia. Council was also briefed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the actions taken by the overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia towards this end. It was noted that negotiations are actively pursued concurrently with several pharmaceutical companies to make sure that vials reach the country as soon as possible. Nevertheless, international recognition of the vaccine is the most important precondition of the procurement. It should be cleared by the World Health Organization and should have an international acknowledgement. Also, it was noted that essential infrastructure already exists in the country for keeping vials in the required conditions and work progresses to build capacity towards this end. Besides, a specialised commission is actively working on the schedule of immunization, which defines the due target groups and stages of vaccination in the country.

Since the detection of the first case of COVID-19 in Georgia, 239 780 individuals have been proven positive through lab testing, out of which 226 215 individuals recovered and 2 796 died.

Currently 506 individuals are placed in quarantine, 722 - at clinical hotels and 3 929 - at hospitals under medical supervision.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia actively engages the Parliament of Georgia chaired by MP Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Current epidemic situation, new confirmed strain of COVID-19, intensive testing and preparation for the vaccination stage were discussed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at its regular meeting held today at the Government Administration.

Detailed discussions were held at the Council Meeting on the current epidemic situation in the country. It was noted that volume testing was small in recent days. Detection of new cases was also minor and thus 2 316 confirmations today are related to people contracting the virus prior to the last 3 days.

New strain of COVID-19 was also discussed. One case has been confirmed so far in Georgia. It was noted that its clinical performance is similar to the previously known strain, though community transfer rate of this one is relatively faster and more caution is required on the grounds of information available at this stage.

Performance of the intensive testing as a process was also discussed by the Council, including the additional steps taken for the extension of scope and coverage of systemic target groups to make sure that the process becomes more effective.

Steps made by the Specialized Task Force established with the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the uninterrupted flow of COVID vaccination process in the country have been discussed at the meeting today as well. It was noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia are engaged in the negotiations held on behalf of the State with international partners and pharmaceutical companies to make sure that first dozes of the COVID vaccine reach the country as early as possible.

It was once again noted that effective enforcement of the imposed restrictions is required, along with all the recommendations that need to be adhered. They include the social distancing and uniform wearing of face masks.

Since the detection of the first case of COVID-19 in Georgia, 232 079 individuals have been proven positive through lab testing, out of which 222 787 individuals recovered and 2 646 died.

Currently 377 individuals are placed in quarantine, 763 - at clinical hotels and 4 012 - at hospitals under medical supervision.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia actively engages the Parliament of Georgia chaired by MP Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

The Government of Georgia led by Giorgi Gakharia wins a unanimous vote of confidence, with 85 votes in favor, in the Parliament.

The Cabinet features one new member, namely Gocha Lortkipanidze who will serve as Justice Minister.

The legislative body also voted in favor of the 2021-2024 Government Program: Toward Building a European State.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia met Rovnag Abdullayev, President of SOCAR State Oil Company of Azerbaijan today.

Focus of the meeting was made at the kind neighbourly relations and partnership of Georgia and Azerbaijan in various areas. Special attention was paid to the investment projects implemented by SOCAR in Georgia and prospects of deepening cooperation in future.

It was noted that cooperation of Georgia with SOCAR is truly successful in the area of natural gas, which is once again evidenced by the optimisation of the social gas price in the country.

Namely, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia has been instructed by the Government of Georgia to negotiate with SOCAR a deal to import 200 million cubic meters of the so-called social gas with a reduced tariff from Azerbaijan to Georgia. Amendments were made to the existing agreement on social gas supply originally signed in 2016. Signing ceremony held today engaged Natia Turnava, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Giorgi Bakhtadze, CEO of Oil and Gas Corporation and Rovnag Abdullayev, President of SOCAR after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia.

As a result of the referred agreement. Government of Georgia will be able to maintain the stability of natural gas price for citizens of Georgia.

It was underlined that after the completion of the fourth stage of the South Gas Corridor, which envisages the transportation of Shah Deniz gas to the European market, will channel higher volumes of Azerbaijani gas through Georgia. At the same time, the country will be able to purchase more concessional Azerbaijani gas to meet its domestic demand.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia and signing ceremony was attended by Faig Guliyev, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of Azerbaijan to Georgia; Mahir Mamedov, CEO of SOCAR Energy Georgia; Elshad Nasirov, President of SOCAR for Investments and Marketing; Vagif Aliyev, Director of Investments at SOCAR.

Press Service of the Government Administration

You are a true friend of this country. We are grateful for your personal and the United States support of our strategic partnership, the most important partnership of this country, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated during today's meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

The Head of State emphasized US-Georgia strategic partnership and thanked the US Secretary of State for his visit to Georgia.

"Of course, we are thankful for the United States support in combating COVID. As you know, we have a very successful story of cooperation, meaning Lugar Laboratory, which is key to Georgia's response to COVID. First of all, I would like to underline that we really appreciate the continuous support of the US people and Government for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. You know how important it is to our country with its territories occupied and occupation forces on our soil. Our strategic partnership is based, first of all, on values: freedom, democracy, and shared geostrategic interests. In this very turbulent time in the region, we understand that we have to discuss these issues, and this is a great opportunity for us to discuss very important issues of deepening the cooperation between the US and Georgia in defense and security, economy, and consolidating democracy. I would like to assure you, we feel that this is a great momentum for enhancing our cooperation, for enhanced partnership between our countries, for enhanced US presence in this region. So, welcome once again, and we are very thankful that you found time for this visit," Giorgi Gakharia addressed Michael Pompeo.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo thanked the Head of Georgian Government for hospitality and emphasized the years-long friendly relations between the two countries.

"Mister Prime Minister, it is great to be here. We have many important topics to discuss today, and these points have been well taken in. The world, and certainly Georgia, is in the middle of a terrible challenge from the virus that was released from China. We will address this together, keep our people safe, and get our economies back up and going again. This is central for the prosperity of your country, region, and the world.
We have been great friends for almost 30 years now. We support your democracy, and we have worked together all this time, and we recognize all the pain and difficulty connected to the occupation of your country. And we will do everything we can to support your democratic process, the building up of the institutions in ways that are important for free and fair elections, and all other things that come with robust debate and democracy. And I thank you hosting me again. I appreciate it," Michael Pompeo said.

The parties discussed the key directions of Georgia-US strategic partnership and prospects of deepening the strong cooperation between the countries.

The Head of Government singled out the invaluable support from the US in the fight against the pandemic and thanked the strategic partner state.

Attention was paid to the state of affairs in Georgia and the region, alongside Georgia-US cooperation for strengthening regional and international security.

The Head of Government, during the meeting with the Secretary of State, emphasized the dire security and humanitarian situation in Georgia's occupied regions.

The Secretary of State reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States of America for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The meeting underlined cooperation for further strengthening trade and economic relations and Georgia's democratic development. The Prime Minister singled out the crucially important role of the US in Georgia's democratic development.

According to Giorgi Gakharia, the visit by the Secretary of State reiterates the robustness of Georgia-US strategic partnership and the commitment of the two countries to continuing this cooperation in order to build on the existing partnership based on shared values.

The enhanced-format high-level meeting at the Administration of the Government was attended from the American side by Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker, US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia Kelly Degnan, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Ricky Waddell, and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State Mary Kissel, and from the Georgian side by Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Georgian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the US Davit Bakradze, and Head of the Government Administration Natia Mezvrishvili.

After the meeting, the US Secretary of State, together with the Prime Minister, enjoyed Tbilisi's views from the balcony of the Government's Administration.

Press Service of the Government Administration

During today's meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia commented on the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to Georgia, scheduled for November 17-18.

The Head of Government emphasized that it is yet another demonstration of the importance and all-time high level of Georgia-US strategic partnership.

"Our meeting will firstly discuss issues pertaining to the US-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, and we will, of course, speak about the current developments in the South Caucasus, Georgia's further democratization, and economic and security issues. These topics have been suggested by our partners, and we are preparing to discuss them. We all must understand that it is not just a visit by the Secretary of State of our partner country; it is also a visit by Georgia's friend, and we will do everything to make sure that this visit further deepens the remarkable strategic partnership between the US and Georgia, especially in the direction of the critically important ongoing developments in the South Caucasus which will have a serious impact on our country's everyday life, security, and future.

Consequently, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite the challenges we are facing today, we must be fully focused on making ready for this visit," the Prime Minister said.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Georgia welcomes U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s forthcoming visit to Georgia scheduled for 17 and 18 November, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reports. 

Within the framework of the visit, the Secretary of State will hold meetings with Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, President Salome Zourabichvili and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani. Mike Pompeo will also meet with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

High-level meetings within the scope of the Secretary of State’s visit will focus on the priorities under the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, as well as on prospects for further enhancing cooperation in the areas of defence an security, trade and economy, democracy, people-to-people contacts, education and cultural exchanges.

The parties will discuss the security environment in Georgia and the wider region and will highlight cooperation between the countries as a way to further strengthen regional and international security. Talking points will also include the democratic and economic reforms taking place in Georgia.

The U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to Georgia once again points to the firmness of U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership and reaffirms the commitment of the two countries to enhance their cooperation aimed at further reinforcing the partnership based on shared values and vision. The visit provides yet another proof that the United States remains strongly committed to supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the country’s continuous democratic development and European and Euro-Atlantic integration.