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Nino Tandilashvili: “Georgia, as a Black Sea country, fully understands the importance of regional cooperation in overcoming common challenges and ensuring sustainable development”.
Mrs Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia participated in a high-level panel discussion held as part of the “UN 2025 Ocean Conference”; the session focused on “Promoting and supporting all forms of cooperation, especially at the regional and subregional levels”.
In her address, the First Deputy Minister noted that Georgia, as a Black Sea country, fully understands the importance of regional cooperation in overcoming shared challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
“Marine ecosystems are not subject to state borders. Pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change are transboundary challenges directly affecting the entire region. The mentioned problems might be addressed only through regional cooperation based on solidarity, partnership, and joint action,” stated Mrs. Tandilashvili.
Mrs. Tandilashvili highlighted Georgia’s ongoing efforts toward European integration, particularly under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union. She noted that this process has significantly advanced the country’s alignment with EU standards in areas such as environmental protection, maritime governance, and sustainable economic development, contributing to greater regional stability.
The First Deputy Minister also underscored Georgia’s active role in international and regional initiatives, with particular reference to its cooperation with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM); she emphasized joint efforts in data sharing, capacity building, and the promotion of sustainable fisheries, noting that regional fisheries management organizations play a crucial role in the science-based and inclusive governance of marine resources.
In addition to environmental collaboration, Mrs Tandilashvili spoke on the strategic economic and infrastructural importance of regional cooperation, highlighting the Black Sea Submarine Cable Project—a transformative initiative aimed at connecting Georgia to the European energy grid.
“The Black Sea Submarine Cable Project represents a global investment in strategic infrastructure, supporting national and regional interests, strengthening connectivity, accelerating the green transition, and driving to economic development,” the First Deputy said.
In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Tandilashvili called on the international community to scale up financial and technical support aimed at enhancing regional capacity in crucial areas, such as monitoring, enforcement, scientific research, and infrastructure development.