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David Songulashvili Meets with the First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Maksim Lysenko
During his working visit to the Republic of Belarus, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr David Songulashvili, met with Mr Maksim Lysenko, the First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus.
The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and natural resources management, while emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral partnership through the exchange of expertise, professional knowledge, and best practices. Moreover, the sides agreed to identify specific areas of cooperation within a defined timeframe, taking into account the priorities and needs of both countries.
“Environmental protection is a national priority. Georgia is implementing several species restoration projects, which have already produced tangible results. In addition, I would add that sharing international best practices and successful experiences in waste management is crucial for us. Climate change has made environmental challenges more complex. Therefore, we need to use every opportunity to deliver the best outcomes and further strengthen environmental protection in our country. Significant potential exists for mutually beneficial cooperation between Georgia and Belarus, and we should make full use of it,” stated Mr David Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
Particular attention was devoted to enhancing cooperation in the fields of protected areas and national parks, considering the management and planning of protected areas, the development of ecotourism, the restoration and monitoring of rare species, and the promotion of environmental education.
“We are pleased to have established a strong partnership between our institutions. We possess valuable experience and are ready to share it with the Georgian side. Together with the Minister, we discussed a range of issues, and within the next two months, we will further elaborate on all areas of cooperation that we agreed upon. These include waste management, the exchange of expertise, particularly the operation of protected areas, and efforts to combat invasive plant species. Our countries share many common challenges and interests, and there are numerous areas where we can work together. We are fully committed to deepening bilateral relations,” said Mr Maksim Lysenko, First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus.
The meeting was attended by Mr Lasha Dolidze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; Mr Alexander Khvtisiashvili, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Mr Giorgi Saganelidze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Belarus; and Mr Nikolai Rogashchuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Georgia.