Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel today. They held one-on-one as well as extended meetings.

Dignitaries reviewed the main directions of cooperation between the two countries in various areas and discussed prospects of further deepening the current interaction. As the Prime Minister noted, Georgia and the State of Israel have a substantial experience of productive cooperation.

Irakli Garibashvili highlighted the significance of deepening the current friendship and cooperation with the State of Israel and noted that partnership between the countries has always been at a high level.

Dignitaries discussed economic cooperation. The Prime Minister noted that the trend of trade and economic relations is growing and negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will commence next year to move the partnership between the countries to a substantially new level.

Prospects of defining new areas of future cooperation and new approaches have been discussed within the scope of the Joint Economic Commission. Positive trend of cooperation in the area of tourism was reviewed as well.

Global security environment and challenges were among the topics of discussion at the meeting.

Irakli Garibashvili invited Benjamin Netanyahu to Georgia.

During the one-on-one meeting Benjamin Netanyahu noted that Israel and Georgia have very warm relations.

“Prime Minister, it’s a delight to welcome you. Georgia and Israel have had very warm relations. Connections go back 2500 years, perhaps even 2600 years through the Jewish community in Georgia. We have many, many Jews who came from Georgia. It’s a living bridge. I, myself, had an opportunity to visit Georgia and I know that we can bring our relations to even greater heights and welcome this opportunity during your visit. So, you’re welcome in Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem! Next time in Jerusalem as we say!” - said the Prime Minister of Israel.

According to the Prime Minister of Georgia, Jewish community always enjoyed friendship, full support and comfort from Georgian society.

“Prime Minister, thank you very much for receiving me and my delegation. It is my great honor and privilege to be here. I am always happy to be in Israel and as you mentioned we have a very special relationship and friendship with Israel, with Jewish people. Jewish community has always enjoyed friendship, full support and maximum comfort from Georgian society. So, I am glad to be here. Thank you very much!” – added Irakli Garibashvili.