Georgia signs far-reaching cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia

Today Georgia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia penned an important agreement that allows the countries to explore future cooperation deals in a range of directions and enhance bilateral ties.

The cooperation agreement was signed this afternoon at the Tbilisi headquarters of Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Georgia Mesaad Ibrahim Al-Sulaim, who resides in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The deal, which still must be confirmed by relevant state bodies of Georgia and Saudi Arabia, will create a legal foundation for future deals between the two nations in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, tourism and more.

Signing of Agreement of Cooperation btw the Government of #Georgia & the Government of #SaudiArabia@JanelidzeMkhpic.twitter.com/hDU5FCiMiF

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) May 13, 2016

Janelidze said the deal was "extremely important” as there was "huge potential” for Georgia and Saudi Arabia to cooperate, especially in the investment sector, agriculture and tourism.

It’s important for Georgia to attract Saudi Arabian investments and we can also export our agricultural products to them,” Janelidze said.

Georgia was also becoming known as a tourist spot for Saudi Arabian guests, said Janelidze. Compared to previous years, the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia had increased by 80 percent, he added.

Growing awareness of Georgia in the Arab country could be a result of the opening of a Georgian Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh in 2014.

Furthermore, appointing a Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Georgia in 2015 created a "very good” foundation for successful cooperation between the two countries, said Georgia’s Foreign Ministry.