Georgian, French agriculture ministers discuss cooperation

Cooperation between Georgia and France in agriculture was in the focus of a meeting between Otar Shamugia, the Georgian Agriculture Minister, and his French colleague Marc Fesneau on Thursday.

Meeting at Sommet de l'Élevage, an international livestock fair, in Clermont-Ferrand in central France, the meeting discussed results of cooperation between the two countries, the Georgian Agriculture Ministry said.

All the activities, programs and events that we plan and implement together with our partners are aimed at maximally and effectively utilising the potential in the agricultural sector, [and] promoting the production and sale of competitive Georgian products that are in demand on international markets”, Shamugia said.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of implementing international standards and European management systems with the help of donor organisations, including the French Development Agency.

While discussing Georgia's European aspiration, Shamugia said the country had taken “appropriate steps” to fulfil the recommendations for receiving the European Union membership candidate status.

On his part, Fesneau said France was supporting Georgia on the path of European integration and welcomed the progress made over the recent years in the direction.

The officials also signed an agreement on cooperation between the two countries in land and forestry management, land reclamation and animal farming.

Gotcha Javakhishvili, the Georgian Ambassador to France, was also involved in the meeting.