Georgian, Iranian Foreign Ministers Mull Stronger Ties

TBILISI-Georgia and Iran are going to enhance existing potential between the two states in different fields according to a statement made at a joint press conference of Georgian and Iranian Foreign Ministers today.

Georgia’s Mikheil Janelidze and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed many aspects of cooperation, including trade, economics, tourism and education.

The Georgian minister noted that trade volume between Georgia and Iran increased by 50 percent during the first two months of 2017. He also added that number of Iranian tourists in Georgia has significantly increased since 2016.

“Our country provides a useful business environment and climate which is confirmed by the fact of increasing Iranian investments in Georgia,” Janelidze said.

He also added that his Iranian counterpart’s visit shows that Georgia and Iran have long-lasting, good and friendly relations.

The Georgian FM said that Iran and Georgia have started working to have Georgian higher education diplomas recognized in Iran.

“We have agreed to deepen relations in the culture and education fields. Georgia is interested in offering more possibilities of high education to the regional countries including Iranian students. Recognition of Georgian diplomas by the Iranian side will significantly promote this,” Janelidze added.

The Ministers also discussed the April 22-23 visit of Georgian Prime Minister to Tehran, where several intergovernmental agreements will be signed.

With Minister @JZarif discussed upcoming visit of the PM of #Georgia to #Iran for further strengthening cooperation btwn our two countries pic.twitter.com/edQihpb0xF

— Mikheil Janelidze (@JanelidzeMkh) April 18, 2017

Iranian Foreign Minister also met PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili, President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze and Georgia’s Minister of Economy.

PM Kvirikashvili thanked Mohammad Javad Zarif for Iran’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thea Morrison

18 April 2017 16:20