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

In today's geopolitical environment, the strong strategic partnership between Georgia and the US is key to the two countries' shared interests and regional and Euro-Atlantic security, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated during today's meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Erika Olson. The Head of Government emphasized the unwavering bipartisan US support for Georgia enabling the country to achieve considerable progress across a variety of directions and to press on the right track toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The meeting focused on the security environment and challenges in the Black and South Caucasus regions.
The Prime Minister singled out the importance of political stability in Georgia, also underlining that, now that the recent elections are over, it is crucial to concentrate on the agenda of the country's development.
Irakli Garibashvili also pointed out that Georgia remains a loyal and reliable ally of the United States in the region. The parties discussed the situation in Georgia's occupied territories and the threats posed by occupation, also the daily humanitarian problems encountered by the citizens on either side of the occupation line. Special attention was paid to the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region. In this context, the meeting highlighted the Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative-a new peace format proposed by the Prime Minister of Georgia in the UN-and the importance of the engagement of American and European partners in this process. The American side also underscored Georgia's tremendous contribution to the recent evacuation effort from Afghanistan. The conversation also revolved around Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration and the reforms implemented to that end. The Head of Government expressed hope that concrete steps will be taken in the nearest future to start the implementation of the decision of the NATO Summit in Bucharest.

The meeting at the Administration of the Government was attended by US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan and Georgian Vice Prime Minister/Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani.

Press Service of the Government Administration

The Caucasus, a beautiful land of mountains, glaciers, and rivers, has already lost 40% of its glaciers. During the last two decades alone, the speed of glacier loss in the eastern Georgia has exceeded projections from the end of the 20^th century. We fully share the alarm presented by the UN Secretary-General's latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that declared a ‘code red for humanity,'" Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at the World Leaders Summit, within the scope of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
According to the Head of Government, greater ambition and effort is needed if we are to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement and avert a global disaster.
The Prime Minister thanked the United Kingdom for its dedication to making the COP26 a reality in light of the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, also pointing out the importance of joint efforts necessary to deal with the challenges triggered by climate change.
According to Irakli Garibashvili, the Government of Georgia has a development plan with a clear vision for 2030 that aligns perfectly with the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The investments in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and enhanced adaptive capacity represent concrete steps for reducing emissions and preparing our societies for the unavoidable impacts of climate change, the Head of Government added.
"The next generation are counting on us to deliver on our promise," the Prime Minister stated.

Keynote Speech Delivered by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at COP26

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

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a meeting with Javier Colomina, the NATO Secretary General's newly appointed Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated Colomina on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure will mark NATO-Georgia relations deepening even further and concrete steps toward Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.
The conversation focused on NATO's open-door policy and Georgia's integration into the North Atlantic Alliance, pointing out the country's formidable progress toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration, strengthening democratic institutions, and implementing defense reforms.
The meeting paid special attention to the upcoming 2022 NATO Summit, underlining it as an excellent opportunity for duly assessing Georgia's progress, further to encourage the country's advancement on the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
The meeting discussed cooperation on Black Sea security, with emphasis on Georgia's considerable contribution to ensuring Euro-Atlantic peace and security. The parties underscored Georgia's role in in international peace missions, namely the ISAF operations in Afghanistan and the process of evacuation from Afghanistan after the completion of the Resolute Support Mission. Georgia remains committed to the common principles and values of security, ready to continue participating in the Allies' efforts to secure global peace and security.
The parties singled out the implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, the key mechanism of NATO's practical support for Georgia, as the Georgian Government's top priority.
The meeting also touched on the importance of joint NATO-Georgia exercises, underlining that joint efforts have resulted in modernizing and developing relevant training infrastructure meeting NATO standards. Consequently, Georgia is ready to offer the Allies a high-standard setting for large-scale drills.
The meeting was attended by Head NATO International Office's Political Affairs and Security Division Steffen Elgersma, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia Rosaria Puglisi, Deputy Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia Pirit Pikker, and Vice Prime Minister/Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani representing the Georgian side.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Your visit is a strong message that the US supports Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said at today's meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The Head of Government thanked the US Secretary of Defense for his visit and pointed out that it is another demonstration of the high-level relations between Georgia and the US, one that underlines the continuous interest and engagement of the United States of America in the Black Sea and South Caucasus region.
The Secretary of Defense thanked the Prime Minister for warm welcome and added that his visit to Georgia bear witness to the close partnership between the US and Georgia.
"Thank you, Mister Prime Minister. This is my first visit to Georgia, and I am very grateful for the warm welcome that I have received thus far. And it has been a really good visit. Glad to be here to underscore the close partnership between our two countries. It is a partnership that is based on common interests and shared values. As it has been demonstrated over the years through our shared sacrifices in Afghanistan and elsewhere, Georgia has consistently and steadfastly supported the United States in promoting peace and stability. I am very grateful for close cooperation and for having an opportunity to reaffirm the US support for Georgia sovereignty and territorial integrity.
One point I would like to be clear on is-if you do not mind, Mister Prime Minister-that the United States condemns Russia's ongoing occupation of Georgia and its attempts to expand influence over the Black Sea Region through various military and other activities. This is an important region, and its security and stability are crucial for fully realizing the vision that we share of a Europe that is whole and free, and at peace. Thank you again! The United States is committed to sustaining this strategic partnership. It is great to be here," Lloyd Austin said.
Irakli Garibashvili emphasized that the United States of America has a loyal regional ally in Georgia. The high level of bilateral cooperation in the areas of defense and security was singled out. The parties underscored that the ongoing modernization of Georgia's Defense Forces is a result of joint US-Georgia efforts, while the memorandum signed today between the defense authorities of Georgia and the US are of vital importance in that, given the complex security environment, it is important for Georgia to continue developing its territorial defense capabilities.
The meeting paid special attention to the regional situation and Russia's aggressive behavior. The US Secretary of Defense reassured the Prime Minister of Georgia of the US firm support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.
Irakli Garibashvili underscored the importance of restoring peace and trust in the region. In this context, the recent agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia-achieved through close cooperation with the US and the Georgian Prime Minister's mediation-was singled out as a factor facilitating dialogue and improving the region's security environment. The Head of Georgian Government introduced the US Secretary of Defense to the Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative for the South Caucasus initiated by Irakli Garibashvili in order to secure peace and stability in the region, also drawing his attention to the special importance of US support in this process.
Georgia's considerable progress toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration was commended. The conversation also touched on the upcoming NATO Summit as a good opportunity to recognize Georgia's progress. The parties pointed out the decisive importance of US engagement in reaching a consensus among the Allies. Special emphasis was placed on Georgia's contribution to ensuring international security and the country's formidable role in the process of evacuation from Afghanistan, something praised by the US Secretary of Defense as another demonstration of the strong strategic partnership between the two countries and their commitment to shared values.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili is holding a working visit to the Republic of Armenia. Today, as part of this visit, the Head of Georgian Government met with his Armenian counterpart, Nikol Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia reiterated to Irakli Garibashvili and the Georgian people his condolences over the deaths caused by the recent collapse of a residential building in Batumi.

The parties discussed the Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative for the South Caucasus proposed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in the UN and designed to ensure peace and stability in the region. The meeting emphasized that the new peace format will foster discussions on the prospects of the peaceful neighborhood initiative that will engage international partners alongside the South Caucasus states.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Georgia reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to continuing its active role as a mediator in order to secure peace and stability and ensure the region's gradual transformation into a place of new opportunities, development, and peace.

The Prime Ministers of the two countries also discussed important issues on the bilateral cooperation agenda, revisiting every aspect brought up during Nikol Pashinyan's recent official visit to Tbilisi.

Press Service of the Government Administration

SOCAR bears exceptional social responsibility, having implemented numerous socially important projects for the benefit of our population in various regions of the country, as once again evidenced by this day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at the opening ceremony of a new sports complex in the village of Kizilajlo, Marneuli Municipality.
The Head of Government emphasized the importance of SOCAR's initiatives to Georgia, adding that the company has invested hundreds of millions of USD in Georgia to carry out important work.
"It is a great honor to be here today. I would like to thank our very special guest for being with us today. Mister Rovnag Abdullayev is our country's friend representing SOCAR, one of the largest investors in our country. SOCAR, having invested hundreds of millions of dollars n our country, is carrying out important work in Georgia. Notably, SOCAR bears exceptional social responsibility, having implemented numerous socially important projects for the benefit of our population in various regions of the country, as once again evidenced by this day. We are in the village of Kizilajlo, Marneuli Municipality, and today we will open this wonderful, important present for our population, a modern European-standard sports complex, a wonderful present to our youth. That is why, once again, I would like to thank Mister Rovnag Abdullayev and SOCAR. Of course, we are interested in promoting healthy living among young people, and this is a very important asset acquired. I want to inform our population, our people, that today Mister Rovnag Abdullayev will open a newly built kindergarten in the village of Kabali with financing from SOCAR. This important project was launched just a year ago, and today it is already finalized. The project's cost in 3 million GEL. It is a very good example illustrating and brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation. Our Azerbaijani brothers and the Azerbaijani state are not just a neighboring country-I always say that Azerbaijanis are our brothers, and we have excellent relations; we are strategic partners implementing important projects. Together with SOCAR, the Georgian Government is implementing gasification work of unprecedented proportions throughout the country, and our cooperation is very productive," Irakli Garibashvili said. 
The guests attending the opening of the sports complex were also addressed by SOCAR CEO Rovnag Abdullayev, who conveyed greetings from President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the population of Kizilajlo. Rovnag Abdullayev also emphasized the conditions put in place by the Georgian Government for Azerbaijan have resulted in 1 billion and 200 million invested by Azerbaijan in Georgia. According to him, the friendship and oneness of mind between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia are as exemplary as ever, and the two countries enjoy commendable cooperation in strategic and other factors. As the CEO of SOCAR pointed out, Georgia's gasification stands at 90%, a result found only in a handful of countries around the globe, and this has been made possible thanks to active assistance from the Georgian Government.
The new sports complex in the village of Kizilajlo was built and handed over to the state free of charge by SOCAR Energy Georgia.
The complex incorporates an indoor multifunctional athletic space for a variety of sports, such as basketball, mini football, handball, volleyball, and wrestling. The sports complex will also feature seating areas for spectators, locker rooms, showers, and sanitary areas, a storage room for equipment, and an administrative section. The building covers a total of 1,157 m2, and its cost exceeds 3 million GEL. A football stadium near the sports complex has also been fully renovated by SOCAR.
The event in the village of Kizilajlo was attended by SOCAR CEO Rovnag Abdullayev, General Director of SOCAR Energy Georgia Mahir Mammedov, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Georgia Faig Guliyev, representatives of Georgia's executive and legislative, and State Representative in Kvemo Kartli Shota Rekhviashvili.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met US Congressmen visiting Georgia on his invitation today.

Meeting held at the Government Administration was focused on the highest level of strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia, which is once again evidenced by the growing cooperation between the two countries.

Congressmen visiting Georgia are co-sponsors of the Georgia Support Act initiated at the House of Representatives in the US Congress, for which the Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude.

US support in the institutional building of Georgia, increased capability of defense, implementation of democratic reforms has been highlighted at the meeting. It was also noted that Georgia continues to carry out reforms for the consolidation of democratic achievements in cooperation with US and other western partners.

The Prime Minister of Georgia expressed gratitude to US Congressmen for the bipartisan support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, in peaceful conflict resolution, non-recognition policy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia.

Discussions were also related to the local elections, thereby noting that Georgia stands ready to hold them in a free, fair and transparent manner. It was also noted that the Government of Georgia welcomes the active engagement of international observers in the election process and stands ready to admit as many organizations of such mandate as possible.

Black Sea security was also reviewed at the meeting. It was noted that Georgia remains to be a reliable partner of the USA in the region.

Topics discussed at the meeting included the current situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. It was noted that in the conditions of complicated situation, unlawful occupation of Georgian territories by Russia, uninterrupted provocations and borderisation, visit of US Congressmen is particularly important for the country. Focus was made on the significant role of Georgia in the international security and peace operations. Particularly noteworthy was the crucial role of Georgia in the emergency evacuation of people from Kabul.

Economic relations between the USA and Georgia were also discussed. It was noted that further advancement of trade and economic relations with the United States, as well as the launch of negotiations on free trade with the United States are among the top priorities of the Government of Georgia.

Readiness was expressed at the meeting towards continuing the close cooperation between the USA and Georgia both at the executive and legislative levels for the extension and deepening of the strategic partnership.

Delegation of US Congressmen included: Alexander Xavier Mooney for West Virginia, Bryan George Steil for Wisconsin, Kelly Michael Armstrong for North Dakota, Carol Miller for West Virginia, Rep Ron Estes for Kansas. US Congressmen represent various committees. Visit has been organized by the US-Georgia Friendship Association. It also includes the Association President and Honorary Consul of Georgia in San-Diego Melory Tsipuria.

Meeting held at the Government Administration was attended by David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration; Giorgi Tsikolia, Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Envoy of Georgia to the United States of America.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today's Cabinet session, chaired by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the Government's Administration, discussed 11 issues on its meeting agenda.
The Head of Government, in his opening remarks, discussed the country's epidemiological situation.
Irakli Garibashvili once again thanked all doctors for their heroic service to the population.
"We are closely monitoring the epidemiological situation. It seems to have somewhat stabilized over the past few days, and things seem to be looking up, but we must stay focused, of course, and maximally mobilized work must continue. The healthcare system, in its entirety, is functioning well, in a mobilized manner. Once again, I would like to thank all doctors for their heroic service to the population. I would like to reiterate that that must make sure that no one, not a single citizen, is left behind, and everyone received the best possible care.
In this situation, our best solution lies in vaccines, and we must urge everyone to vaccinate. We are about to have vaccinated one million people, possibly over the next few days. But our task must be to vaccinate two million citizens by the end of September, some to have received once shot, others two. A million must have had the virus. Ultimately, we believe-and that is what our doctors and scientists project-the situation is about to stabilize. We have just a few weeks to wait and persevere together through this rough period; and, by all forecasts, the situation will calm down by October. Of course, we must remain mobilized and manage the situation all the while," Irakli Garibashvili said.
According to the Prime Minister, the process of vaccination is well underway.
"The Minister has expanded the process of vaccination in Tbilisi as well. We started vaccinated on buses. Together with City Hall, this project was coordinated, but the process must expand further. We must cover the regions to the maximal extent possible, and the entire area of vaccination must expand. The involvement of our armed forces and army doctors is equally crucial. Their teams, in coordination with the healthcare system, are traveling to the regions to vaccinate locals on the ground, which is very important. We must gradually supply every village with vaccines, and offer the population free inoculation on the ground. There has been a positive trend of citizens exhibiting openness toward the vaccine. And the previously prevalent skeptical views are gradually fading away. But we must continue communication. We must explain to the population, on a daily basis, how important it is to wear facemasks and to vaccinate to prevent the country from going back into lockdown, to allow the economy to continue developing, and for us to care after our population's health," the Prime Minister said.
On the Government's decision, white grapes damaged by the recent natural disaster in Kakheti will be purchased by the state for 0.8 GEL, and black Saperavi grapes for 1.0 GEL. And those whose vineyards have been completely destroyed will receive 3,000 GEL per hectare.
On the Prime Minister's instructions, the Vice Prime Minister and the Head of the Regional Liaison Department are already on the ground, where a special task force has been put together, and the local population's grievances have been addressed.
"A few days ago, Kakheti saw a serious natural disaster, with 5,000 hectares of land devastated by hail, and many vineyards and orchards damaged. On my instructions, Vice Prime Minister Levan Davitashvili and Head of the Government Administration's Regional Liaison Department Leri Barnabishvili visited the area in the company of the Governor, with a task force established and our population's problems solved. In particular, the state will pat 0.8 GEL for white grapes and 1.0 GEL for black Saperavi grapes. Those who need to restore their vineyards or orchards will enjoy support from the state-the state, at its own expense, will restore damaged areas and assist our population to make sure that we go through this process as painlessly as possible," the Prime Minister said.
On the Georgian Government's decision, almost 300 refugee families will receive housing for a symbolic price. Effective owners will have these properties registered to their names as legal owners, meaning both residential and auxiliary facilities.
"About 300 refugee families will come into possession of housing that will be legally registered to their names for a symbolic price, one GEL," Irakli Garibashvili underlined.

Press Service of the Government Administration