Georgian PM discusses ties, country’s EU progress with Italian, Israeli Ambassadors

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday discussed bilateral cooperation and his country’s EU integration prospects with Massimiliano D’Antuono, the Ambassador of Italy to Georgia, and Hadas Meitzad, the Ambassador of Israel. 

During the meeting with the Italian diplomat, Kobakhidze reviewed Georgia’s progress on the path to European integration and underscored the significance of support from Italy, a founding member of the EU, in furthering this integration process, the government press office said. 

The discussions also centered on bilateral cooperation between Georgia and Italy, with a focus on enhancing “productive trade and economic ties”, as well as collaboration in defense, education, and culture. Both parties expressed readiness to strengthen the existing partnership even further.

Kobakhidze extended gratitude to Ambassador D’Antuono for Italy’s steadfast support for Georgia’s European aspirations and its commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a meeting with Meitzad, the officials discussed cooperation between the two nations and explored opportunities for deepening partnership across various sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted the “historical friendship” between Georgia and Israel, which he said continued to underpin their close political relations.

Attention was drawn to the “positive momentum” in the development of trade and economic interactions, with Kobakhidze welcoming the upcoming launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement next year.He also reiterated Georgia’s solidarity with Israel in the wake of the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, expressing condolences and support.