Minister David Songulashvili delivered the Keynote Address at the 92nd General Session of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in Paris

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, delivered a speech at the 92nd General Session of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), in Paris.

In his address, the Minister emphasized the vital role of the World Organization for Animal Health, noting that Georgia is taking concrete steps to achieve epizootic stability. This effort is reflected, on the one hand, in the alignment of the country’s legislative framework with EU regulations and WOAH standards and on the other hand, in strengthening veterinary service capacities. Notably, these efforts focused on developing and equipping infrastructure, implementing educational initiatives, and other essential activities.


“Our priorities are fully aligned with the principles of the World Organization for Animal Health, particularly in ensuring transparency, preventing the spread of diseases, mitigating their impact, and promoting safe trade in animals and animal products,” stated Minister Songulashvili.



He emphasized Georgia’s long-standing partnership with WOAH, underlining the country’s role as host of several key events, including the European Regional Conference, expert discussions, and training sessions.


“Georgia remains an active and committed partner of WOAH. We fully support the organization’s focus on vaccine accessibility as a central theme of this year’s session. We join this approach, and on behalf of Georgia, I confirm that Georgia leads the way in disease prevention by applying high standards and high-quality, EU-registered vaccines in preventive vaccination programs,” the Minister added.

According to Minister Songulashvili, one of the key priorities in preventing the spread of transboundary diseases is strengthening cooperation between countries and ensuring the effective functioning of early warning systems. In his remarks the Minister also noted that Georgia fully meets its commitments and maintains a high level of transparency.


The World Organization for Animal Health brings together 183 member countries. Georgia has been a member since 1992 and is part of the organization’s European region, which includes 53 countries. 


The organization operates through five regional divisions: America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The European region comprises 53 countries, including Georgia. 
Notably, Georgia’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) served as the Secretary General of the WOAH Regional Commission for Europe from 2021 to 2023—an elected position. As of 2024, the CVO has been re-elected to serve a three-year term as Vice President of the Regional Bureau.

Mrs Ekaterine Kokaia, Acting Ambassador of Georgia to the French Republic, Mr Vasil Basiladze, and Mr Giorgi Iakobashvili, Senior Officials of the National Food Agency, accompanied the Minister.