Georgian PM hosts ADB President, delegates of Bank’s annual meeting at official reception

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday hosted Masatsugu Asakawa, the President of the Asian Development Bank and the delegates attending the Bank’s 57th annual meeting in Tbilisi, at an official reception.

Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to Asakawa and the ADB for “their trust” and said it was “a great honour” to host “such distinguished guests” in Tbilisi, emphasising the “special importance” of holding the ADB event in Georgia.

Hospitality is the main characteristic of the Georgian people, and we often say that a Guest is a Gift from God. That is why we think that you will bring much success to our country. We are happy with our friendship and cooperation, which has a very strong foundation”, the PM noted, thanking organisers and everyone involved in the process of hosting the annual meeting.

In his turn, Asakawa highlighted the “fruitful cooperation” between the ADB and Georgia and thanked Kobakhidze for hosting the meeting for the first time in the country.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a bridge between continents for the exchange of goods, services and information. This annual meeting provides an important opportunity to showcase and offer the best of the country's resources. This is a dynamic economy, rich history, amazing nature, warm and friendly people”, the ADB President pointed out.

Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is hosting the ADB annual meeting with nearly 70 events covering connectivity, climate change, capital market development, artificial intelligence and green globalisation.

Running between Thursday and Sunday, the four-day event includes about 3,000 delegates from ADB senior management, policymakers, private sector representatives, and “leading development thinkers” from Asia and the Pacific.