The FINANCIAL — The Georgian and German Foreign Ministers made statements during the joint press conference prior to the opening of the Georgian-German Year.
The Ministers welcomed the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Germany emphasizing that in the course of 200-year history of relations, Germany as the leading country of Europe has become Georgia’s genuine friend and close partner.
According to Mikheil Janelidze, his visit to Germany serves the goal of further developing bilateral relations.
“Germany has made an important contribution to Georgia’s institutional, as well as economic transformation. In terms of technical and financial assistance that has been rendered to Georgia over the years, Germany is the second largest donor of Georgia. The potential for the strengthening of links between Georgia and Germany has never been as strong as today and we must use this potential” – the Minister said.
He particularly highlighted the importance of Germany’s political support on Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic path, as well as for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to MFA of Georgia.
Mikheil Janelidze spoke extensively about Georgian-German co-operation in trade and economy, particularly mentioning the interest of German business communities in Georgia where up to 380 German companies are currently operating. According to the Minister, Georgia as a reformer country serves as an attractive model for German investors and Germany is Georgia’s number one trade partner in the EU area.
Special mention was taken of the importance of co-operation in the area of education, culture and people-to-people contacts. The Minister paid special attention to the increasing number of German scholarships granted to Georgian students.
Mikheil Janelidze and Sigmar Gabriel welcomed the activities planned both in Georgia and Germany within the framework of the German-Georgian Year. The importance of Georgia’s participation under the Guest of Honor status in the International Book Fair was also highlighted.
The official opening of the Georgian-German Year at Weltsaal Hall was attended by up to 500 guests.
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