Georgia’s Prime Minister announces Italy visit

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili will visit Italy in January next year and he hopes the trip will stimulate "new economic and cultural relations” between the two nations. 

Kvirikashvili announced details of his upcoming trip a short time ago at a press conference in Tbilisi with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentiloni. 

Gentiloni is in Tbilisi on an official visit and meeting with high level Georgian authorities.

After Gentiloni met with Kvirikashvili this afternoon, the pair said they had discussed a range of issues starting from Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic prospects to regional stability. 

Both officials said despite current close bilateral ties in many sectors, there was "huge potential" for Georgia and Italy to enhance relations in economic and tourism directions. 

Your visit is very important. We take it as confirmation of Italy’s continued support for Georgia,” Kvirikashvili told his guest. 

Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni (L) and a representative of Georgia singed two agreements today. Photo by Prime Minister's press office. 

We have very dynamic relations with Italy in the fields of culture, education and science and I believe very soon we will see successful joint projects in these directions,” Kvirikashvili said at the press conference in reference to two deals signed today between the Foreign Ministry of Italy and Georgia’s Ministry of Education and between the governments of Italy and Georgia. 

The deal penned between Italy’s Foreign Ministry and Georgia’s Ministry of Education envisaged cooperation regarding general education, while the second deal between the two countries’ governments concerned enhancing scientific-cultural cooperation. 

For his part Gentiloni praised Georgia’s democratic reforms and constant efforts to become the part of the Euro-Atlantic space. 

The Italian high official stressed his country supported Georgia‘s Euro-Atlantic goals, as well as its visa liberalisation with the European Union. 

Gentiloni also noted Italy's strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The Italian Minister launched his official meetings in Georgia early today. 

He will leave Georgia this evening and depart for Armenia and Azerbaijan.