The President of Georgia held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway. Mikheil Saakashvili and Jonas Gahr Store talked about deepening the strategic partnership and bilateral relations of the two countries.
Mikheil Saakashvili and Jonas Gahr Store focused attention on the current projects and the rate of development of Georgia as well as security issues. The President of Georgia mentioned the plan for developing Adjara and noted that Batumi is the fastest developing city in the region. According to the Head of State, the experience of Norway is extremely important in the process or rebuilding Georgia.
“We are grateful for everything Norway is doing for us. Your country is active in many directions; especially the Norwegian Refugee Council. Norway is also helping us in the area of protecting cultural heritage. What you did in terms of inclusive education in Georgia is amazing. These are small steps but they have big results. You have tremendous experience in the area of hydro electric power and it is very important for us to share it. Georgia does not have oil and gas but it is rich in hydro resources. Energy projects will have a long term economic and social effect on the entire region. In the past, we created projects and we had to look for investors. The project implemented by you is special, because it was designed by you and you are implementing the project yourself. You are building the second largest hydro electric power station in Georgia, the energy potential of which is 500 mega watts. This amount will be enough to satisfy local demand as well as give us an opportunity to export electricity.” – stated Mikheil Saakashvili.
The first diplomat of Norway noted that investors are interested in the potential of Georgia and are ready to invest. Mikheil Saakashvili added: “We are one of the safest countries and in first place in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of simplicity of doing business.”
Jonas Gahr Store also recalled the terrorist act that happened in Norway and once again expressed sorrow regarding the resulting death of a Georgian girl. The President of Georgia thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway and noted that the entire country was in grief because of the death of Tamta Liparteliani. According to him, the parents let their only child go to Norway because they considered Norway to be a safe country. “However, no one can predict this kind of tragic event” – added the President of Georgia.
“I met with some students in Oslo to discuss the issues of the Middle East. Several foreign students attended the meeting, including the two Georgian girls. The tragedy took place the day after.” – noted Jonas Gahr Store.