Georgian Agriculture Minister, Finnish Ambassador to South Caucasus discuss climate change

Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia on Wednesday met Kirsti Narinen, Finland’s Ambassador to the South Caucasus, to discuss prospects of cooperation for reducing risks and disasters posed by climate change.

The meeting also featured representatives of the Finnish Meteorological Institute and saw the participants discuss water supplies and air quality, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Shamugia said long-term relations with the Institute and sharing of its experience would bring “significant results” and noted proper maintenance of early warning systems in the country was his office’s “main priority”.

It is essential to design a system as quickly as possible that will mitigate the dangers caused by climate change to the greatest extent. Georgia received the European Union candidate status last year. The Agriculture Ministry [...] is actively working towards the fulfilment of its obligations. The support of our partners in these processes is very important”, he added.

The Minister highlighted progress achieved by the country in water resource management and air quality monitoring, noted existing challenges and extended his gratitude to the Finnish side for their support.

On her part, Narinen said Finland supported Georgia on its path to European integration - in which she said environmental issues played an “important role” - and would assist the country in achieving its goals.