The Ambassador of Japan to Georgia, Ishizuka Hideki visited the Adigeni region during a working visit. He was hosted by representatives of the state trustee’s administration and local self-government. The visit aimed to discuss tourism potential in the region.
During his visit to the Adigeni the Japanese Ambassador received information on the social and economic situation in the region and Adigeni Municipality. He also received information about projects that have already been implemented and those that are underway. These projects are being implemented with the objective of promoting tourism in this important and historic region of Georgia as well.
At the same time both parties focused their talks on the results of bilateral cooperation. Among them the “Local Grant Program for Human Security” sponsored by the Embassy of Japan within the framework of which the municipality of Adigeni purchased a waste collection machine was the main area of interest.
Moreover both sides further agreed to deepen mutual cooperation in the future so that more tourism businesses could also be attracted to the areas.
Shota Rostiashvili, deputy state trustee in Samtskhe-Javakheti; Giorgi Mikeladze head of the office; Gocha Kimadze, mayor of Adigeni municipality Soso Rekhviashvili, deputy mayor Shmagi Bidzishvili, chairman of Sakrebulo, and other local self-government representatives attended the significant meeting.
Speaking on the occasion Mayor Gocha Kimadze stated, ” I would like to thank the Embassy of Japan for the help and support of Adigen Municipality. We are glad that Adigeni Municipality’s City Hall became one of the winners of the competition. Within the framework of the grant obtained, we have purchased a waste collection machine. This purchased waste collecting vehicle will improve and protect the living environment of approximately 6,880 residents of 30 villages of the municipality.”
It is to be specifically mentioned that the “Human Security Local Grant Program” is implemented within the framework of the Grassroots Grant Program (GGP). The program was established with the aim of providing assistance to relatively small-scale projects and these projects are executed in areas like public health, education, social protection, agriculture, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation.
Moreover from 1998 to the present day 216 projects have been financed in Georgia within the framework of this program the total cost of which is 25 million US dollars.
