Italian Deputy Minister: “Georgia is an island of democracy and stability”

Georgia and Italy are strengthening cooperation to stimulate new economic and business relations between the two nations.

The Deputy Minister of Economy of Italy Ivan Scalfarotto visited Georgia yesterday, accompanied by a qualified delegation comprising of a select group of more than 40 major Italian companies, mainly focused on infrastructure, energy, and agriculture industries.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili hosted the honourable delegation at an official dinner, where the authorities discussed ways to further bilateral relations.

PM Kvirikashvili stated that Georgia has a responsible government and is a stable country. In his words, Georgia has a history of success which can be shared by a friend such as Italy, which is one of the greatest supporters of Georgia's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and foreign policy since the day of independence.

At an official dinner the authorities discussed ways to further bilateral relations. Photo by the PM's press office. 

On the same note, Scalfarotto reassured PM Kvirikashvili that Italy will stand by Georgia.

Our political friendship is based on Italy’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I want to reassure Mr. Prime Minister that this is our position and we stand by you. We support and appreciate the great efforts that you are making and pursuing in your European and Euro Atlantic aspirations. But I think we can and we should build upon our partnership and common values to fully develop the economic potential of our bilateral relations… we can do much, much more in trade and in investments,” said Scalfarotto.

Ivan Scalfarotto delivered his speech at the dinner and shared his ideas about hot it is possible to strengthen relations between Georgia and Italy. Photo by the PM's press office. 

The Italian Minister shared his ideas about how it is possible to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

As you know we have already opened an office of Italian Trade Agency, since we are very committed to strengthening our direct presence here. Let me suggest to you a couple of parallel actions that I think will make our joint effort even more effective and coordinated.

For example I think it will be more beneficial if a commercial attaché could be sent to Rome by the government, because people still make all the difference, I think. And of course we miss the direct flight between Rome and Tbilisi that we used to have and I know that our airport authorities are already in touch with Georgian Airways to make sure this happens again,” he said.

Meanwhile, PM Kvirikashvili highlighted the development and changes that have been implemented in different directions in Georgia during the last few years. He talked about the government’s four-point reform plan, which aims to change the country’s investment environment for the better.

PM Kvirikashvili highlighted the changes that have been implemented in different directions in Georgia during the last few years. Photo by the PM's press office.

Scalfarotto appreciated Georgia’s efforts to make progress in economic, social and political developments.

We appreciate that Georgia is moving forward in all fields. This is a very attractive economic hub, it is an island of democracy and of stability in a turbulent environment and in a strategic region, at the crossroads between the East and the West,” said Scalfarotto.

PM Kvirikashvili stated that stability is the key for Georgia's development.

This is why we chose, let's say, a more constructive approach when we deal with Russia. Occupation remains the biggest challenge for Georgia. And territorial integrity is the most important issue in our agenda. Unfortunately we witness disruptions on the borders on our territory across the administrative border with our own regions. But we believe that with our very constructive approach, with a very consistent approach and with the help and engagement of our strategic partners - and I am very glad that we see Italians here in Georgia, our strongest allies - we believe that with our peaceful and constructive approach we will unify the country.

Photo by the PM's press office.

But stability is also important for investments. Our partners should know that Georgia has a responsible government and that Georgia is a stable country. Despite our challenges we appreciate the stability we achieved and we understand the importance of this stability for the development of the country. So we welcome your presence here. We welcome the deepening of bilateral ties with Italy and I believe that tomorrow's forum will be an excellent opportunity to focus on concrete ideas,” said Kvirikashvili.

The Italian mission was a concrete follow-up to the mission led by PM Kvirikashvili to the Business Forum organised last March in the Italian capital of Rome.