Foreign Office Consultations between India and Georgia were held on 15-16 July 2013 in Tbilisi. The Indian side was led by Mr. Ajay Bisaria, Joint Secretary Eurasia Divison in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Georgian side was led by Ms. EkaAkobia, Director of the Department of Asia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific Rim in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The last round of these consultations was held in March 2010 in New Delhi.
The sides comprehensively reviewed bilateral cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest and also discussed regional and international issues. In the bilateral sphere, the Indian side held thematic dialogue with the participation of Georgian MFA representatives dealing with bilateral political, economic, cultural, consular and legal matters. The sides agreed to work towards streamlining the bilateral visa regime procedures for various categories of visas with a view to promoting business, tourism, etc. and decided to conclude bilateral agreement on visa free travel by diplomatic and official passport holders of both the countries. The Indian side handed over a packet of draft consular agreements to the Georgian side for its consideration. The sides also reviewed cooperation in international fora including the UN and multilateral organizations. H.E. Mr. David Jalagania, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted a working lunch in honour of the visiting Indian delegation during which the sides have exchanged views on global and regional security issues.
During the visit, Mr. Ajay Bisaria also held meetings with H.E. Mr. Ilia Kvitaishvili, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and with H.E. Ms. KetevanBotchorishvili, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. During these meetings, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation, including India’s investment activity in Georgia. Both sides have agreed to promote mutual investments.
Prior to these consultations on the same day, the Indian Ambassador designate to Georgia Dr. Suresh Babu handed over copies of Letter of Credence to the Deputy Foreign Minister on his concurrent accreditation to Georgia.
The Indian side expressed its gratitude to the Georgian side for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation members during their stay in Tbilisi.
The next round of Consultations will be held in New Delhi
Tbilisi
16 July 2013
