The First Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili, met the Israeli Ambassador to Georgia, Hada Ester Meitch and discussed future cooperation issues.
The meeting occurred on November 18, 2023, at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture in Tbilisi.
Nino Tandilashvili emphasized the importance of the centuries-old friendship and partnership between Georgia and Israel. The Deputy Minister expressed his sorrow over the war in Israel and noted that Georgia will always stand by the Jewish people.
Nino Tandilashvili noted, “Our countries have a great history of friendship and successful cooperation, especially in agriculture. With the support of the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s International Cooperation Development Agency (MASHAV), over the years, thousands of Georgian citizens, several of our Ministry’s employees, have trained and shared the knowledge and experience Israel has in the field of agriculture.”
He also said, “Today, as our country waits for its official EU candidate status, supporting partner countries and sharing their experience and knowledge is essential to fulfil our commitments entirely through the EU Association Agreement.
“I believe we will continue active and productive cooperation with Israel and deepen our relations in agriculture and environmental protection,” said Nino Tandilashvili.
Israeli Ambassador to Georgia Hada Ester Meitid talked about long-term cooperation between the two countries, wished Georgia success in the European integration process and noted that Israel is ready to support Georgia in all aspects, whether agriculture or environmental protection, which will help the country fulfil its obligations.
The Ambassador expressed hope that the relations between Georgia and Israel will deepen and that several critical joint projects will be implemented.
The meeting touched on current projects and priority directions for future cooperation. The main discussion topics were the future cooperation issues between Georgia and Israel in environmental protection, agriculture, and rural development.
The meeting was attended by Vasil Gedevanishvili, Director of MASHAV Center Giorgi Zhgenti and representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture.
According to the Ministry, the meeting focused on exchanging experience and best practices in water management, irrigation, land reclamation, soil conservation, organic farming, agro-tourism, and green economy.
The Israeli Ambassador expressed interest in supporting the Georgian government’s efforts to implement the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the National Action Plan for Environmental Protection.
She also praised the achievements of the Georgian Ministry in promoting sustainable development and green growth.
