Saudi Investments Minister says cooperation with Georgia possible “in many areas”

Khalid A. Al-Falih, the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday highlighted possibilities of cooperation with Georgia “in many areas” while speaking at the Georgian-Saudi Investment Forum in Tbilisi. 

We see opportunities in many areas - including logistics, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchange. As for transport, we want to connect Asia and Europe. In our case, we want to include Africa as well. Georgia has an important strategic position”, he said.

• Tbilisi hosting Georgian-Saudi Investment Forum

The official mentioned the Anaklia deep sea port project, earmarked for western Georgia’s Black Sea town, which he said was now “developing significantly”. 

In terms of tourism and culture, people-to-people relations have increased significantly since you lifted visa restrictions. Many people come to Georgia from Saudi Arabia. Our airlines have increased the number of flights to Tbilisi and Batumi. We are happy with your success in renewable energy, green energy. We have many companies that want to invest in these areas”, he said.

He said the two countries had strengthened economic and political relations during the 30 years of “excellent friendship”, and congratulated Georgia on receiving the status of a candidate for European Union membership in December.

Photo: Ministry of Economy

He recalled the visit of the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, to Saudi Arabia in 2022, and his support for hosting the World Expo 2030 in the Saudi capital. Al-Falih said the country had won the right to host the fair “with a convincing victory”.

The official also mentioned last month’s meeting between the foreign ministers of the two states to agree on the formation of the Coordination Council between them.

Today, there are 20 or fewer states with which the Saudi Arabia Coordination Council operates. Georgia is an important strategic partner for the Kingdom. This Council will expand cooperation in politics, security and economy. Also, in October of last year, a Business Council was created, which met for the first time last night”, he said.

On his part, Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili thanked those attending and participating in the Forum.

I know that there was great interest in this Forum. Many companies from Saudi Arabia have been represented and I am glad that you are with us. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading economies in the Persian Gulf and the wider Arab world”, he said.

Davitashvili emphasised the importance of high-level bilateral visits for increasing business ties.

The Georgian Minister also highlighted economic indicators of the country and noted Georgia had seen a “rapid” economic recovery after the pandemic, demonstrated by double-digit economic growth indicators over the last two years.