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Georgia became the President of the International Olive Council
Georgia was named the President of the International Olive Council (IOC), an intergovernmental organization of states that produces olives and products derived from olives, such as olive oil. Georgia officially gained the presidency during the 60th jubilee of the organization’s establishment in Madrid, Spain.
Georgian delegation was led by the Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili and Deputy Minister of Environmental protection and Agriculture, Khatia Tsilosani.At the meeting of the Olive International Council , the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Spain, Luis Planas delivered a speech, whereby, he set focus on the IOC, outlined the importance of Georgia to become the member of the International Olive Council and noted, that the Kingdom of Spain welcomes new members of the International Olive Council, improves their access to new technologies and willingly shares knowledge and experience on olive production.
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Khatia Tsilosani noted, that, the membership of the organization is very important, Georgian government strengthens economic capacity, supports producers of high-quality products and helps them to have an access to new markets, moreover, in line with the principles of sustainable development, Georgian Government introduces best agricultural practices in the country. At the same time, olives have the unique quality in restoring degraded soils and reducing adverse effects of the climate. In addition, olive products help to improve human health and prevent many diseases. Arrangement of olives plantations contributes to the employment of locals as well as economic growth in the country. The Council helps its members in the attraction of investments and selling of products derived from olives” Tsilosani said.
On behalf of Georgia, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Khatia Tsilosani nominated the Chairman of the Georgian Olive Association, Giorgi Svanidze as the Chairman of the International Olive Council.
At the end of the meeting, Georgian state flag was placed next to the flags of 17 countries and an olive tree brought from Georgia was planted in the yard.
Georgian delegation was comprised of the representatives of government and business circles: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain, Andorra, Algeria and Morocco, Ilia Giorgadze, Executive Director of the Georgian Partnership Fund David Saganelidze and founder of ‘’Georgian Traditional Winery’’ Zurab Chkhaidze.
The International Olive Council was established in 1959 and unites 17 countries.. Egypt chaired the IOC in 2019.
During the visit, the Georgian delegation visited the ancient Olive Recreation Area in Madrid, which includes about 500 unique olive trees.