Georgian PM announces launch of free trade talks with Israel from 2024

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday announced the launch of free trade talks with Israel from next year, following his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, his Israeli counterpart, earlier during the day. 

 

The visiting Georgian official also claimed bilateral security, defence and economic ties were “strengthening”, while highlighting “special ties” between Georgian and Israeli people. 

 

For his part, Netanyahu said the two countries had potential to further upgrade existing partnership, adding the visit of the Georgian delegation chaired by the PM would benefit the goal. 

 

He also praised “warm and long” ties between Georgian and Israeli people dating back to 2,500-2,600 years, and noted the Georgian officials would be welcome in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for the next time. 

 

The Georgian delegation left for Israel on Wednesday. The face-to-face meeting between the PMs was followed by a meeting in an extended format, the Georgian Government Administration said.