Davit Songulashvili Addresses WOAH’s 93rd General Session, Emphasizes the Importance of Strong Veterinary Systems
Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Davit Songulashvili, participated in the 93rd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), held in Paris.
Speaking at the ministerial segment of the session, Songulashvili highlighted the critical importance of strengthening veterinary systems worldwide.
“Today, we all clearly understand that strong veterinary services protect food production, support public well-being, strengthen food security, facilitate trade, and reduce risks to human health. In our interconnected world, weaknesses in one country’s veterinary system can quickly become a regional or global threat.
For this reason, Georgia invests significant resources in ensuring that prevention, surveillance, and laboratory capacities are fully operational and effective. This approach helps us avoid far greater costs associated with disease outbreaks, economic losses, trade disruptions, and public health crises,” Davit Songulashvili stated.
According to the Minister, for countries seeking to increase agri-food exports and strengthen regional and international trade relations, investment in veterinary systems is a prerequisite for economic growth, market access, and long-term competitiveness.
“No veterinary system can function effectively without qualified professionals. Across the world, we are witnessing a shortage of veterinarians and a declining interest among young people in pursuing this profession. Therefore, strengthening veterinary education and professional development has become particularly important.
The support of the World Organisation for Animal Health is highly valuable in this regard. With WOAH’s involvement, numerous initiatives have been implemented in Georgia, and I would like to express my gratitude for this cooperation. The organization plays a significant role in supporting Georgia’s efforts to implement high international standards and further strengthen its position as a reliable international partner,” the Minister noted.
Attending the 93rd General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health alongside Davit Songulashvili were Deputy Minister Lasha Avaliani, Head of Georgia’s National Food Agency Giorgi Iakobashvili, and Georgia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, Irakli Kurashvili.
