Italy, Georgia to promote dialogue on security issues next year

Bilateral relations between Georgia and Italy have become stronger in political, economic, social and cultural directions, says Italian Foreign Minister.

Angelino Alfano sent a letter to his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Janelidze on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Georgia.

As we realise the role of the European Union on the path of our country’s peaceful and welfare development, we do firmly support deepening cooperation between EU and Tbilisi. I am sure the efforts that Italy has made in terms of Georgia’s recent visa liberalisation achievements, will contribute to deepening relations between our nations and strengthen our joint values”, Alfano said in a letter.

Alfano said when next year Italy will take over the OSCE chairmanship, Georgia and Italy will contribute to launching a constructive dialogue on the continent’s main security issues. Italian Foreign Minister also hopes the two countries can count on a deep and comprehensive economic cooperation and make the trade partnership more dynamic and innovative. He also welcomed fruitful cooperation between the civil society organisations.

Celebrating 25th anniversary of DipRelations btwn #Georgia & #Italy as well as our historic friendship & strong partnership pic.twitter.com/PU5wsjfKzq

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) May 11, 2017

Foreign Minister Alfano said the Italian families have done a lot to host the children internally displaced from the Russian occupied region of Georgia – Abkhazia – which he said has been among the most significant stages of solidarity between the two nations.

The trust between our countries takes the start from a very long time. It was back in the 17th century when the first legendary Italian-Georgian dictionary was published... It was also Italy that first recognised Georgia’s independence and sent its ambassador to Tbilisi”, the letter reads.

Italy has maintained diplomatic relations with Georgia since the latter’s independence in 1991. It is also one of the main touristic destinations for Georgians.