On September 27, 2019, we held the official Reception dedicated to the Independence Day and the 101st Anniversary of the Foundation of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia in New Delhi. We were most honoured to have Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture as the Chief Guest at our National Day Reception. His presence was the best testament of India's goodwill towards Georgia and the strong friendship that exists between us. We were delighted that on the same day when we held the Reception, the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, our Georgian colleague and friend, visited New Delhi, to proudly celebrate the World Tourism Day in the presence of many delegates from around the world. The event dedicated to the World Tourism Day was attended by Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India and Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and Culture of India. Tourism and the development of its potential is one of the top priorities of the Georgian Government. Tourism is the most effective tool for gaining knowledge about different cultures and traditions, exploring new dimensions and discovering beauty of our planet in many parts of the world. We support and encourage tourism cooperation. Earlier this year the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India have completed a Joint Feasibility Study on Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was launched in 2017with the objective to create favorable conditions for more comprehensive economic cooperation between India and Georgia. The study illustrated that the Free Trade Agreement between India and the Republic of Georgia will positively affect the economic prosperity of the countries and the bilateral trade in terms of trade of goods and services as well as the investments in the field of trade, which, in turn, will facilitate the creation of new opportunities for business.

-H.E. Mr Archil Dzuliashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to India