David Songulashvili: “This Visit Provided an Important Opportunity to Further Strengthen Cooperation Between Georgia and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)”

During the panel discussion “Financing Animal Health: A Strategic Investment,” held within the framework of the 93rd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr David Songulashvili, spoke about the outcomes of ongoing and implemented measures in the field of veterinary medicine in Georgia.

According to the Minister, official disease-free status should be viewed not only through the lens of direct economic benefit, but also as a clear reflection of the strength, effectiveness, and credibility of a country’s national veterinary system.

“Such recognition confirms that a country possesses an effective veterinary governance system, including disease surveillance mechanisms, laboratory capacities, animal identification and traceability systems, emergency response mechanisms, and transparent reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health. This recognition strengthens the confidence of trading partners, facilitates market access, and reinforces Georgia’s reputation as a reliable and responsible trading partner,” stated the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

During his speech, Mr Songulashvili expressed gratitude to the Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health for participating in the World Veterinary Day event in Tbilisi.

“This visit provided an important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between Georgia and the World Organisation for Animal Health,” stated Minister Songulashvili.

“Georgia is steadily emerging as a regional hub for trade and transportation. We believe that strong veterinary systems will play an increasingly important role not only in disease prevention, but also in strengthening regional stability, economic resilience, and safe cross-border trade in today’s interconnected world,” the Minister stated.

The Minister also focused on measures implemented toward rabies control, noting that Georgia launched the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program in 2013. Significant results have been achieved since then. Compared to 2013, which is considered the baseline year, rabies cases among animals in Georgia have decreased by approximately 93%.

The panel discussion held within the framework of the 93rd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health was also attended by Deputy Minister, Mr  Lasha Avaliani, Head of the National Food Agency of Georgia, Mr  Giorgi Iakobashvili, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the French Republic, Mr Irakli Kurashvili.