Embassy of Belarus Officially Opens in Tbilisi
TBILISI –
The embassy of Belarus has been officially opened in Tbilisi for the first time, after a two-day visit by Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei to Georgia.
Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, opened the embassy with his Belarusian counterpart and expressed hope that the step would further deepen relations between the two former Soviet republics.
The first ambassador of Belarus to Georgia will be Mikhail Miatlikov, who arrived in Georgia in August.
At the opening ceremony Mr. Janelidze addressed the close political, economic, trade and cultural ties between Belarus and Georgia. He said the opening of the embassy was a historic event.
“The opening of Belarus embassy to Georgia means that bilateral ties between us in regional and international formats will be even more enhanced,” stated Mr. Janelidze and wished the ambassador of Belarus to Georgia success in his future activities.
The opening of Belarus official representation to Georgia was first announced when the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, visited Georgia last year.
Prior opening the embassy, Belarusian Foreign Minister held a face-to-face meeting with Mr. Janelidze.
The sides discussed a broad spectrum of political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian issues between Georgia and Belarus and emphasized the importance of holding regular political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The necessity of deepening co-operation in the Eastern Partnership format was also highlighted.
The Ministers noted the increasing dynamic of high-level visits between the two countries, especially in 2016, which contributes to deepening practical cooperation in various areas.
After the meeting Mr. Janelidze said that talks are underway with Belarus to develop trade and economic relations in order to increase bilateral trade as well as the participation of Belarusian enterprises in the Georgian economy.
Moreover, Mr. Makei travelled to the village of Khurvaleti, near the occupation line separating breakaway Tskhinvali region from the rest of Georgia. He also paid tribute to fallen Georgian soldiers at the national memorial.
By Thea Morrison