Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili met with Israeli President Shimon Peres on June 24 during his visit to Israel. The meeting was held at the presidential residence.

The sides discussed the prospects of intensifying the bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries.

They also discussed the importance of trade and economic cooperation between Georgia and Israel, the development of energy and cultural relations.

Ivanishvili said it is necessary to intensify the centuries-old relations between the two countries.

Then the agreement on establishing an intergovernmental commission was signed.

The main purpose of the Georgian-Israeli commission will be the deepening of economic relations between the countries.

According to Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Israeli business community shows the biggest concern in the agriculture of Georgia.

"The biggest concern today is felt to agriculture because the state carries out great deal of work in this direction and even more investments will be invested further to rehabilitate the irrigation system," Kvirikashvili said. "They are also keen to have a co-investor in Georgia. I think that this is an interesting area."

According Kvirikashvili, Israel is also interested in the spheres of high technology and energy.

Also, a Georgian-Israeli business forum organized by the National Investment Agency of Georgia, Georgian Embassy in Israel and the Israeli Export and International Cooperation Institute has kicked off in Tel Aviv on June 25.

The Business Forum is expected to be opened by Bidzina Ivanishvili. Georgian Ministers of Economy and Agriculture are taking part in the forum. The deputy energy minister will hold a presentation of the energy sector of Georgia.

The forum will be attended by about 80 Israeli and 25 Georgian businessmen. Israeli companies represent different sectors, including, agriculture, industry, real estate and energy. They will be informed about the investment environment in Georgia and the possibilities of business activity.

The format of the event also provides bilateral business meetings, which will help in establishing and expanding new business relationships.

Ivanishvili began a two-day official visit to Israel on June 24. His delegation includes Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze, State Minister on the Diaspora Issues Konstantin Surguladze, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Director of the Investment Agency Giorgi Pertaya.