Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia on December 21-22 during which he discussed regional and international developments with the Saudi leaders and officials. The Ukraine war, the Yemen conflict, climate action and international energy policy and a host of other topics figured in the talks. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman received Garibashvili at Al-Yamamah Palace upon his arrival in Riyadh on Wednesday. They held official talks and discussed friendly relations between the two countries and ways to enhance Saudi-Georgian cooperation in various fields. A joint statement was issued following the two-day visit. During official talks, the two sides reviewed a number of issues of common interests. Views were exchanged on the overall current regional and international developments. Prime Minister Garibashvili announced his support for the candidacy of the city of Riyadh to host the 2030 World Expo and expressed confidence in the Kingdom's ability to hold a distinguished version of the exhibition with the best levels of innovation and provide an extraordinary experience in the history of this global event. Crown Prince Mohammed bin valued the Georgian government's support for Riyadh's candidacy to host the Expo 2030. In the fields of economy, trade and investment, the two sides stressed the importance of enhancing economic and commercial cooperation between them by diversifying intra-trade and raising the level of mutual and joint investments, seizing the opportunities for integration and investment provided by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and the development priorities in Georgia in various sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, transportation and other vital sectors. The two sides also noted the pivotal role played by the private sector in increasing the pace of economic cooperation between the two countries. The two sides highlighted the importance of suitable investment conditions for the private sector of the two countries, intensifying mutual visits, holding investment and business forums periodically, and called on entrepreneurs from both sides to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in the two countries and transform them into tangible partnerships. The two sides agreed to form the joint Saudi-Georgian Business Council. In the field of energy, the two sides stressed the importance of the stability of the global oil markets, and the Georgian side welcomed the Kingdom's role in supporting the balance and stability of the global oil markets and in the reliability of supply. Furthermore, the two sides expressed the desire to explore developing and strengthening the cooperation between them in the fields of renewable energy, electrical interconnection, innovative uses of hydrocarbon resources, and energy efficiency, in accordance with the common interests of both countries. Regarding climate change, the Georgian side welcomed the Kingdom's launch of the "Saudi Green" and "Middle East Green" initiatives, and expressed its support for the Kingdom's efforts in the field of climate change, through the implementation of the Circular Carbon Economy approach, which was launched by the Kingdom and endorsed by the leaders of the G20. Moreover, the two sides stressed the importance of the principles of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements by focusing on emissions rather than sources. The two sides affirmed their endeavor to enhance cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors, and explore cooperation opportunities in these fields in a manner that serves their common interests. The two sides agreed on the importance of raising the level of cooperation in the field of agricultural products of comparative advantage in the two countries, and welcome development of bilateral cooperation framework in the fields of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forests and national parks. Both sides expressed their willingness to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and to further develop bilateral framework in the agreed fields. Moreover, the two sides agreed on the importance of developing tourism in the two countries, in addition to encouraging work in the field of sustainable tourism, which benefits the tourism sector and its development. In the field of communication and information technology, the two sides stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships in fields related to communication, digital economy, innovation and space, to achieve a better digital future for next generations in both countries. The two sides also expressed their aspiration to enhance cooperation in the health field, and affirmed their keenness to support global initiatives with the aim of addressing current and future pandemics as well as health threats and challenges. The two sides stressed the importance of activating and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various modes of transport and activating air transport by exploring the possibility of increasing the number of flights to achieve common interests. In the field of education, the two sides confirmed the importance of enhancing the level of cooperation between them in fields of higher education, scientific research and innovation, in addition to encouraging direct communication between universities and scientific and research institutions in the two countries. Both sides agreed to work on creating cooperation opportunities in the fields of sport and youth. In security field, the two sides affirmed their willingness to increase the level of cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, including combating all forms of crimes, exchanging experiences and training, and enhancing cooperation and coordination in order to achieve security and stability in the two friendly countries. On the international affairs, both sides reiterated their determination to continue efforts to maintain international peace and security. Regarding the Ukrainian-Russian crisis, both sides stressed the importance of settling disputes by peaceful means, and exerting all possible efforts to reduce escalation in a way that contributes to restoring security and stability, and limits the negative repercussions of this crisis. The Georgian side expressed its appreciation for the humanitarian and political efforts made by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and releasing number of war prisoners of different nationalities besides the continuous efforts in this regard. The Georgian side also commended the Kingdom's recent $400 million additional humanitarian assistance package to Ukraine, which will contribute to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people. They agreed to further the exchange of support and coordination in international forums and organizations, including International Monetary Fund and The World Bank. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues and topics of mutual interest, and they affirmed their determination to enhance their cooperation and coordination in this regard, as well as continue their support to achieve peace and security around the world. Regarding Yemeni issue, the two sides affirmed their full support for the UN efforts exerted to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis. The Georgian side praised the Kingdom's initiative to end the war in Yemen, and its efforts and initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between Yemeni parties. The two sides also stressed the importance of supporting the Presidential Leadership Council in the Republic of Yemen, to enable it to perform its tasks and reach a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the Gulf initiative and its implementation mechanisms, the outcomes of Yemeni National Dialogue, and Security Council Resolution No. 2216 (2015). The Georgian side valued the Kingdom's humanitarian, relief and development aid provided to the Yemeni people through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. At the conclusion of the visit, Prime Minister Garibashvili, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the kind reception and hospitality he and his accompanying delegation received. The Crown Prince expressed his best wishes to Georgia, as well as for further progress and prosperity for the friendly people of the country. — SPA
