The Georgian and German interior ministers on Tuesday signed an agreement on migration and mobility between the states in Tbilisi with the primary objective to strengthen cooperation for labour migration and education.
The deal, signed by Vakhtang Gomelauri and Nancy Faeser, is expected to intensify the implementation of educational and internship programmes for Georgian students and researchers, the Georgian Interior Ministry said.
The agreement also highlighted a commitment to combating illegal migration, emphasising enhanced cooperation to facilitate the readmission and reintegration of Georgian citizens who violate the visa-free travel regulations.
The officials also delved into discussions about future cooperation prospects, particularly in combating illegal migration and organised crime.
Gomelauri highlighted the significance of Germany designating Georgia as a safe country of origin this year and noted the decision by the German Government had reaffirmed Georgia's democratic status and underscored the “effective protection” of human rights by its state institutions.
For her part, the visiting official acknowledged Georgia's “successful implementation” of the readmission agreement with the European Union, while Tbilisi’s “proactive measures” in response to the challenges of visa-free travel with the EU also received positive evaluations, the body added.
Both parties expressed optimism about the prospects of intensified cooperation between the two states in the near future, with the newly signed agreement expected to “significantly facilitate” this collaborative effort.