Tbilisi: The Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Otar Shamugia, together with U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan, visited the genetic laboratory created in the State Laboratory of Agriculture. The guests inspected the equipment in the genetic laboratory and got acquainted with the possibilities of the Department of Animal Diseases.
Otar Shamugia spoke about the importance and necessity of laboratory research and emphasized the role of State-Agricultural Laboratory, especially in the diagnosis of critical diseases.Â
 The minister thanked the ambassador of the United States and the representatives of partner organizations for their support.
“With the support of the government and the support of our international partners, laboratory capacity is growing every year.” We have many years of partnerships with both the U.S. National Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S., as well as the U.S.-DTRA.
 “This year, with their support, the laboratory will equip new laboratory equipment to help diagnose diseases based on genetic studies, which is particularly important,” said Otar Shamugia.
 As the U.S. ambassador noted at the meeting, the side of the United States is happy and proud because it promotes the development of the laboratory component in Georgia.
 “Today is a fine example of a long-standing collaboration between the State Laboratory of Agriculture, the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, and the U.S. Defense Risk Reduction Agency (DTRA).Â
Notably, important genomic sequencing equipment has been given to the Agriculture Laboratory. The United States is pleased and proud to be involved in this important cause of support,” said Kelly Degnan.
The laboratory meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Defense Risk Reduction Agency (DTRA), the U.S. National Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the State Laboratory of Agriculture.
