We discussed current regional and global challenges and the possibility of expanding partnership in areas of our common interest, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili wrote on Twitter, following the meeting with Crown Prince/Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
“Grateful to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and PM of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the warm welcome and productive talks in the frame of my visit to Saudi Arabia. Discussed current regional and global challenges and the possibility of expanding Georgia-Saudi Arabia partnership in areas of our common interest,” Georgian PM tweeted.
Grateful to HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince & PM of 🇸🇦 for the warm welcome & productive talks in the frames of my visit to 🇸🇦. Discussed current regional & global challenges & the possibility of expanding 🇬🇪 – 🇸🇦 partnership in areas of our common interest. pic.twitter.com/74C1Pb4lDI
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) December 22, 2022
In the fields of economy, trade and investment, the two sides noted the importance of enhancing economic and commercial cooperation between them by diversifying intra-trade and raising the level of mutual and joint investments, seizing the opportunities for integration and investment provided by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the development priorities in Georgia in various sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, transportation and other vital sectors.
The two sides also noted the pivotal role played by the private sector in increasing the pace of economic cooperation between the two countries. The two sides highlighted the importance of suitable investment conditions for the private sector of the two countries, intensifying mutual visits, holding investment and business forums periodically, and called on entrepreneurs from both sides to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in the two countries and transform them into tangible partnerships. The two sides agreed to form the joint Saudi-Georgian Business Council.
In the field of energy, the two sides stressed the importance of the stability of the global oil markets, and the Georgian side welcomed the Kingdom’s role in supporting the balance and stability of the global oil markets and in the reliability of supply. Furthermore, the two sides expressed the desire to explore developing and strengthening the cooperation between them in the fields of renewable energy, electrical interconnection, innovative uses of hydrocarbon resources, and energy efficiency, in accordance with the common interests of both countries.
The two sides affirmed their endeavor to enhance cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors, and explore cooperation opportunities in these fields in a manner that serves their common interests. The two sides agreed on the importance of raising the level of cooperation in the field of agricultural products of comparative advantage in the two countries, and welcome development of bilateral cooperation framework in the fields of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forests and national parks. Both sides expressed their willingness to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and to further develop bilateral framework in the agreed fields.
Moreover, the two sides agreed on the importance of developing tourism in the two countries, in addition to encouraging work in the field of sustainable tourism, which benefits the tourism sector and its development. In the field of communication and information technology, the two sides stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships in fields related to communication, digital economy, innovation and space, to achieve a better digital future for next generations in both countries. The two sides also expressed their aspiration to enhance cooperation in the health field, and affirmed their keenness to support global initiatives with the aim of addressing current and future pandemics as well as health threats and challenges.
The two sides stressed the importance of activating and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various modes of transport and activating air transport by exploring the possibility of increasing the number of flights to achieve common interests.
The Georgian side expressed its appreciation for the humanitarian and political efforts made by HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and releasing number of war prisoners of different nationalities besides the continuous efforts in this regard. The Georgian side also commended the Kingdom’s recent $400 million additional humanitarian assistance package to Ukraine, which will contribute to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
They agreed to further the exchange of support and coordination in international forums and organizations, including International Monetary Fund and The World Bank. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues and topics of mutual interest, and they affirmed their determination to enhance their cooperation and coordination in this regard, as well as continue their support to achieve peace and security around the world.
“At the conclusion of the visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the kind reception and hospitality he and his accompanying delegation received. His Highness also expressed his best wishes of health and happiness to Georgia, as well as for further progress and prosperity for the friendly people of Georgia,” the administration of the Georgian government announced.
