2017-01-09
Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed his sadness over the recent terrorist attack in Israel. The Head of Georgian Government offered his sympathies to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at today's meeting.
"Mister President, welcome to Georgia. We are honored to host you. Please accept my sincere sympathies over the terrorist attack in Israel that has claimed four innocent lives and left over ten people injured. It was an act against humanity, and Georgia is standing by you in the fight against terrorism. We are appalled at this heinous act against humankind. Terrorists seek to alter the development agendas of our states, and we must stand together in this process," the Prime Minister of Georgia stated.
The President of Israel thanked the Head of Georgian Government for solidarity.
"Because of the terrorist attack, we were considering postponing this visit to Georgia. But we said no, terrorists cannot stop us. Thus, it is an honor to be with you today," Reuven Rivlin stated.
During the discussion, the successful cooperation between the two countries in different directions was emphasized. The parties pointed out that 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Israel, and expressed hope that it would be an excellent opportunity further to deepen the friendly relations between the two countries.
At the meeting, attention was paid to the mechanisms of successful bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister of Georgia and the President of Israel also discussed the countries' growing economic cooperation, trade dynamics, investments of Israeli companies in Georgia, and increasing numbers of visitors. According to the parties, the Bilateral Intergovernmental Economic Commission, the second session of which will be held in Tbilisi after setting the exact date, is an effective mechanism to achieve common economic cooperation objectives.
During the meeting, cooperation in the fields of culture and education was also discussed.
Prime Minister Kvirikashvili thanked the President of Israel for supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The meeting was attended by Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze.
After the meeting at the Administration of the Government, the Prime Minister of Georgia hosted the President of Israel at a working dinner.
Prime Minister's Press Office