The president of the Asian Development Bank, Masatsugu Asakawa addressed the ADB meeting being held in Georgia first time. He said that the financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank will make Georgia a regional hub in areas of finance, climate, environment, sustainable development, and sustainable energy along with many other areas of regional and international importance as well.
It is to be specifically mentioned that this is the 57th annual meeting of the ADB, moreover, this is the first time that the meeting is being held in the Republic of Georgia. The ADB President underlined the strategic location of Georgia which can play a significant role in making it an essential country for regional as well as international cooperation. The location of Georgia at the crossroads of the East and West further increases the importance of the country at regional and multiracial platforms.
The strategic location of Georgia is also akin to the theme of the meeting. The theme of the meeting this year is “Bridge to future”. Asian Development Bank president Asakawa also emphasised very significance of the cooperation between Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Moreover, the cooperation between these countries and the ADB will further play a role in improving connectivity, infrastructure, and logistics to encourage the “peaceful movement” of people and goods around the region.
At the same time, the ADB chief said that the bank is supporting Georgia since the year 2007. The total financial amount of Georgia has been counted for $3.9 billion in the form of sovereign loans and grants.
While concluding his speech at the event he said “I would like to thank the administration of the Tbilisi City Hall as well as the government of the Republic of Georgia for the successful organization of the 57th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank, where many important issues have been discussed.”
