Georgian minister cancels Yerevan visit amid export concerns

Georgian Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili has canceled his planned visit to Yerevan, where he was expected to attend the Days of Georgian Culture and hold discussions with Armenian officials regarding ongoing transit issues affecting Armenian beverage exports.

According to the Armenian Ministry of Economy, the Georgian side personally informed Minister Gevork Papoyan on June 5, apologizing for the cancellation and citing Minister Songulashvili’s scheduling conflict. The Georgian Ministry later clarified that Songulashvili was required to participate in a high-level ministerial meeting in France, which coincided with the planned Yerevan trip.

The visit was anticipated to include bilateral talks focused on the delayed transit of Armenian goods - particularly brandy and other beverages - through Georgian territory. Recent delays at Georgian customs have sparked protests in Yerevan, including demonstrations outside the Georgian Embassy, as Armenian exporters expressed frustration over prolonged inspections.

Radio Liberty’s Armenian Service reported that Songulashvili’s trip was originally scheduled for June 6. In his absence, a deputy minister traveled to Yerevan to represent the Georgian delegation during the cultural events.

On June 5, Armenian Minister of Economy Gevork Papoyan announced that out of 124 Armenian trucks halted at Georgian border checkpoints, 52 had received clearance to proceed to Russia. However, 72 trucks remain stalled, with the situation continuing to impact trade flows and raising concerns among Armenian businesses.