Konstantin Zhgenti

KUWAIT: Konstantin Zhgenti, Ambassador of Georgia to the State of Kuwait, released a statement yesterday to mark his country's independence day, which falls today. "The year 2021 marks 103 years of the Democratic Republic of Georgia as well as 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union," he said in the statement. "On 26 May, 1918 Georgia's independence was declared by the First Meeting of the National Council of Georgia."

"The diplomatic relations between Georgia and Kuwait, was established in 1992 and the Embassy of Georgia to the State of Kuwait was opened in 2007," he pointed out. "Beginning from that period friendly and prosperous Political cooperation is being developed on a bilateral basis in addition to being promoted in the framework of international organizations.

"In the economic field, Georgia and Kuwait have been preparing favorable conditions for investment. This includes the strengthening of the legal basis, in particular relating to issues of double taxation and investment protection as well as the enhancing of commercial relations based on a free trade agreement.

"The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce are main partners and counterparts in the development of Georgian-Kuwaiti economic relations. Among the successful projects initiated in recent years is the Tbilisi Road rehabilitation scheme, financed by KFAED, as well as other infrastructure development projects like the upgrading of highways and the Namahvanhydro-electric station. In addition, projects targeting the tourism infrastructure have been launched.

"Since 2007 a simplified visa regime has been in force between Georgia and Kuwait, allowing citizens of both countries to receive entry permits upon arrival as opposed to requiring the issuing of visas prior to traveling. In 2017, the direct flights began from Kuwait to Tbilisi. The flights are conducted by Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways. This helped to develop farther the relations between the two countries. From the beginning of flights, more than 30,000 people from Kuwait visited Georgia.

"We are sure, that the two sides believe - after the overcoming the problems connected with the spread of COVID-19, friendly and prosperous relations between our countries will develop. We wish the State and the people of Kuwait further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.