David Songulashvili and Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Discuss Future Cooperation
As part of his working visit to the State of Israel, David Songulashvili, Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, met with Avi Dichter, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
The meeting focused on the close partnership between Georgia and Israel and on deepening cooperation in agricultural trade and the exchange of experience.
David Songulashvili highlighted the importance of Avi Dichter’s visit to Georgia in September of this year.
“The meetings held in Georgia once again confirmed the strong partnership between our two countries. I am pleased to continue this important dialogue in Israel, a global leader in agricultural innovation, technology, and research. This return visit demonstrates our mutual 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 bring tangible benefits to our farmers, researchers, businesses, and citizens,” said David Songulashvili.
During the discussions, the Georgian Minister outlined several priority areas for cooperation with the State of Israel. Georgia is ready to deepen practical collaboration in the fields of plant and animal genetic resources; storage, processing, and post-harvest technologies; greenhouse development; aquaculture technologies; food policy and food safety; development of laboratory methodologies and research criteria; and innovative agricultural technologies. David Songulashvili also emphasized the importance of improving student qualifications in agriculture and expanding joint educational programs.
Avi Dichter thanked David Songulashvili for his return working visit to Israel and stressed the importance of further strengthening agricultural cooperation between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the growing trend in trade and economic relations and the effective use of import-export potential. Avi Dichter also expressed readiness to implement student exchange programs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers signed a Declaration of Intent, outlining key areas of cooperation, including the expansion of trade in agricultural products, food security, promotion of modern irrigation systems, development of modern orchards, exchange of experience in smart farm management systems, strengthening cooperation between scientific and research institutions, collaboration in the veterinary field, animal health monitoring, food safety, and the development of laboratory capacities.
“We are confident that this legal and institutional framework provides an excellent foundation for new and ambitious joint initiatives,” David Songulashvili noted.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, was attended by David Songulashvili; Lasha Dolidze, Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia; Zaza Kandelaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the State of Israel; and Meni Benishi, Honorary Consul of Georgia.
