David Songulashvili Meets with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Rashad Ismayilov

As part of his official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, met with the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mr Rashad Ismayilov.

Minister Songulashvili expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for their hospitality, while also emphasising the importance of joint efforts toward environmental protection.

"We appreciate the cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan in environmental protection. Our partnership covers key areas and has strong potential for further enhancement, especially toward water resources management, biodiversity protection, and joint efforts to address climate risks. We aim to ensure that this cooperation delivers tangible impact on the effective implementation of environmental policy,” Mr David Songulashvili noted.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the outcomes of the ‘COP 2024’ climate conference in Baku, highlighting its importance in advancing global climate policy, especially in the areas of climate finance and developing adaptation mechanisms.”

The Azerbaijani Minister highlighted current bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation and the management of protected areas, including joint activities implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding.

Particular emphasis was placed on a joint project carried out in the Vashlovani Protected Areas, aimed at restoring the goitered gazelle population, which was outlined as a successful example of bilateral environmental cooperation.

The Deputy Minister, Mr Lasha Dolidze; Head of the International Relations and European Integration Department, Mr David Chitaishvili; Director of the Rural Development Agency, Mr Zurab Gozalishvili; Head of the National Food Agency, Mr Giorgi Iakobashvili; and Chargé d’Affaires of Georgia to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mrs Maia Tabagari, accompanied the Minister.