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David Songulashvili and Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Safety Avi Dichter Discuss Future Cooperation Issues
As part of his working visit to the State of Israel, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr David Songulashvili, met with Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Safety, Mr Avi Dichter.
The parties emphasized the close partnership between the two countries, particularly the expansion of cooperation in agricultural trade and the exchange of expertise.
Minister Songulashvili highlighted the significance of Avi Dichter’s visit to Georgia earlier this year, in September.
“During the meetings in Georgia, the strong partnership between our countries was reaffirmed. I am pleased to continue this important dialogue here in Israel—a global leader in agricultural innovation, technology, and research. This return visit reflects our shared commitment to elevating the Georgia–Israel partnership to a new strategic level. Georgia values this friendship, and I am confident that our cooperation will continue to deliver tangible benefits for our farmers, researchers, businesses, and citizens,” said Mr Songulashvili.
While discussing cooperation with Israel, Minister Songulashvili emphasised several priority areas, noting that Georgia is ready to deepen practical collaboration in fields such as plant and animal genetic resources; storage, processing, and post-harvest technologies; greenhouse farming; aquaculture technologies; food policy and food safety; development of laboratory methodologies and research criteria; and innovative technologies. Mr Songulashvili also underscored the importance of enhancing students’ qualifications and developing joint educational programs in the agricultural sector.
Mr Avi Dichter thanked Mr Songulashvili for his working visit to Israel and emphasized the importance of strengthening agricultural cooperation. The counterpart Ministers underscored the positive trends in expanding trade and economic relations and highlighted the importance of unlocking the full potential of import and export opportunities. Mr Dichter also expressed readiness to advance student exchange programs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministers signed a Declaration of Intent outlining key areas of cooperation, including: expanding trade in agricultural products; food safety; promoting the introduction of modern irrigation systems; establishing modern orchards; sharing experience in smart farming management systems; strengthening cooperation between scientific-research institutes; collaboration in the veterinary field and in animal-health monitoring; and enhancing laboratory capacities in food safety.
“We are confident that this legal and institutional framework forms an excellent foundation for new and ambitious joint initiatives,” stated Mr Songulashvili.
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr Lasha Dolidze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the State of Israel, Mr Zaza Kandelaki, and Georgia’s Honorary Consul, Meni Benish, accompanied Minister David Songulashvili.