Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

Georgia has confirmed implementation of visa regime agreement between Tbilisi and Tel Aviv.

"The agreement on abolition of the visa regime for Georgian citizens travelling to Israel has come into force," Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said.

Georgia and Israel signed an agreement on a visa-free regime in Tbilisi on November 18. The agreement will allow the citizens of Georgia to visit Israel without a visa for 90 in the next 6 month.

A few years ago, Georgia unilaterally abolished the visa regime for the citizens of Israel. This decision was aimed at increasing the flow of tourists and businessmen. Israel is a home for tens of thousands of natives and immigrants from Georgia - Jews and Georgians who began to move since 1970s and during the post-Soviet period. They continue to keep in touch with their families and relatives in Georgia.

Panjikidze said Israel made a principal decision to abolish the visa regime, and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili was informed of the decision.

According to Georgian government sources, Garibashvili and Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Saar had a telephone conversation. Saar informed Garibashvili about taking a decision to speed up the introduction of the visa-free regime between the two countries.

"I welcome this decision and thank the Israeli government for this action," Garibashvili said. "I congratulate Georgians and Jews on this important innovation. I am sure that the decision will deepen bilateral relations between Israel and Georgia."