Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 4 December (BelTA) – Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili will be looking for an opportunity to meet with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in the near future, Ambassador of Georgia to Belarus Valeri Kvaratskhelia said as he met with the Belarusian head of state, BelTA has learned.

“I really appreciate that you have found time to meet with me. I fully understand what this meeting means. Thank you for congratulating our president-elect and for being one of the first to do it,” the diplomat emphasized.

“Salome Zurabishvili asked to give you her best regards and wishes of good health and happiness. She will try to meet with you soon. We will see when it will become possible,” Valeri Kvaratskhelia said.

Answering a question of a BelTA journalist following the meeting, the diplomat noted: “This was a very important meeting with the person who has a very good attitude to and understanding of Georgia. The discussion touched upon political matters, as well. We remain committed to the policy of mutual understanding and mutual assistance to each other.” The ambassador added that the parties also discussed trade and economic cooperation that has been demonstrating good growth.

Tourism was also on the agenda. This year the number of Belarusian nationals visiting Georgia has risen by 45%. Belarus made it to the top ten countries whose tourists visit Georgia most often.

“Many questions have been asked and all of them have been answered. It is very important. It was reiterated that all the matters related to bilateral cooperation can be discussed freely,” he said.

Valeri Kvaratskhelia noted that during the visit to Georgia Vice Premier Mikhail Rusy met with the country’s senior officials to discuss the exchange of visits. Thus, Belarus will welcome the Georgian foreign minister early in the year 2019 and the Georgian premier in spring.