The Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia met with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rashad Ismayilov, within the framework of his official visit to Azerbaijan.

David Songulashvili thanked the Azerbaijani side for the hospitality and emphasized the importance of joint work in the field of environmental protection.

"We appreciate the cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan in the field of environmental protection. The existing partnership covers important areas, however, there is potential for its further strengthening, especially in terms of water resources management, biodiversity protection and joint response to climate risks. Our goal is for this cooperation to have a real impact on the effective implementation of environmental policy", - noted David Songulashvili.

At the meeting, the parties focused on the results of the climate conference "COP 2024" held in Baku and noted that the conference was an important step towards strengthening global climate policy, especially in terms of financial provision and the development of adaptation mechanisms.

The Azerbaijani colleague spoke about the existing cooperation between the two countries in the field of biodiversity and protected areas management, including the ongoing joint activities within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding. The joint project implemented in the Vashlovani protected area, which is related to the restoration of the pelican species and is an example of successful environmental cooperation, was highlighted.

Along with David Songhulashvili, the meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Lasha Dolidze, Head of the Department of International Relations and European Integration David Chitaishvili, Director of the Rural Development Agency Zurab Gozalishvili, Head of the National Food Agency Giorgi Iakobashvili, and Charge d'Affaires of Georgia to the Republic of Azerbaijan Maia Tabagari.