Georgian PM praises sailors for “elevating” country’s regional maritime status on int’l Day of the Seafarer

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday praised sailors from the country for their role in establishing it as a “leading maritime nation” in the Black Sea region, in comments for the international Day of the Seafarer.

Speaking in the Black Sea city of Batumi, Kobakhidze highlighted the “unique contribution” of Georgian sailors to the sustainable economic development of the country.

The importance of our country in shaping a new global order is evident today, with the Middle Corridor [logistics route] passing through Georgia as the shortest road connecting Europe and Asia. The increasing strategic significance of our country for the stability and development of the region highlights the importance of your professionalism and daily work”, he told the professionals.

Georgia has become a leading maritime country in the Black Sea region as a result of these efforts. Currently, there are over 18,000 Georgian sailors on ships flying the flag of our country and 74 other states, with this number increasing annually. The authority of the state flag of Georgia in the international maritime industry is also on the rise”, Kobakhidze added.

The PM also said the Government was committed to the “development and strengthening” of the maritime sector and announced a new law to regulate labour and social conditions for seafarers would come into force on July 1.