Saudi Prince eager to invest in Georgia

"We are looking forward to investing in Georgia,” says a senior member of the Saudi ruling family, who is one of the most influential businessmen of the Arab world.

Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud paid an official visit to Tbilisi today, met Georgian leaders and learnt about the country’s investment potential.

"We promised the Prime Minister that we will be back,” said the Prince after meeting Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili today.

"Thanks to the PM, Georgia’s recognisibility in the world has increased; the country’s economic stability has strengthened; and we are looking forward to investing here.”

The Prince and PM Garibashvili’s face-to-face meeting, which was not noted on the official agenda, lasted for about half an hour and the sides talked about Georgia’s tourism potential and economic perspectives.

The sides also spoke about the relations between the two countries. Georgia-Saudi Arabia trade turnover was $3.6 million USD in the first four month of 2015.

The Saudi Prince became a Honorary Citizen of Georgia. Photo by the President's press service.

Meanwhile today, Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud received Honorary Citizenship of Georgia from the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili.

The Prince and the President briefly talked about Georgia’s history during their meeting today.

Afterwards the Saudi Prince said: "I was very impressed with the meetings with the President and Prime Minister and I hope that we will further strengthen and deepen the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Georgia, as well as between my company and this great country.”

Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud is the owner of the Kingdom Holding Company, an investment holding company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi royal came to Georgia for one day at PM Garibashvili’s invitation.