Georgia-Israel tighten security, economic, cultural ties

Georgia and Israel are both small nations that are building modern democracy.

These words were spoken by Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili today while he met his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin within his official visit to the Middle Eastern country.

"I am sure we will be able to overcome challenges and build a peaceful and secure environment in our region,” Margvelashvili said at a press briefing following the meeting.

The Georgian official expressed his concern about the frequent terrorist acts in Israel and said: "Our countries have a long-term tradition to overcome violence with peace and common values”.

"We know we cannot overcome violence with violence, we should overcome violence with love, common goals and ideas,” he added.

Margvelashvili also spoke about the challenges his country faced and said the problem of Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories could be resolved only through negotiations, peace and diplomacy.

"Foreign goals of Georgia may be achieved only through international agreements and following the norms of law.”

The Georgian President also stressed his country’s leading geopolitical role in creating new opportunities for strengthening links between the East and West.

"These links are important for everyone who thinks to develop projects, welfare and future and not on violation of human rights,” he said.

Meanwhile at the media conference the Israeli official highlighted the multi-century, enduring friendship between Georgia and Israel and noted Georgia was one of the earliest spots where Jewish diaspora settled.

"There is no doubt that Georgia is one of the most important allies of Israel in the Caucasus region. Georgia, like Israel, is a country where there is religious tolerance and equal respect to all cultures,” said the Israeli President.

Related story: Hanukkah in Tbilisi

"Today Georgia has an important role internationally to spread these values and also a significant role to raise its voice against the threat of fundamentalism.”

Rivlin believed fundamentalism threatened not only the Middle East but the whole world.

The two Presidents reconfirmed Georgia and Israel would strengthen bilateral cooperation in respect of security, economy and culture.