The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, met with the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Ms Yvonne Higuero, as part of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in Yerevan.

During the meeting, the parties focused on strengthening cooperation between Georgia and the CITES Secretariat, particularly in fulfilling international obligations and combating the illegal wildlife trade.

"Enhancing international cooperation within the framework of CITES is essential for Georgia. We continue to improve our national legislation, administrative procedures and enforcement mechanisms. In this regard, coordination among relevant Agencies, the exchange of expertise and regional cooperation are crucial. Thereby, we remain committed to actively engaging in the activities of the Convention and ensuring the effective implementation of our international obligations", - said David Songulashvili.

The discussion focused on Georgia’s implementation of the Convention`s requirements and the measures undertaken to detect and combat illegal trade in wild fauna and flora species.

Songulashvili underscored the importance of species recovery. Both sides expressed their readiness to continue sharing expertise, strengthen enforcement capacity and further enhance regional cooperation.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Armenia, Mr Giorgi Sharvashidze, Head of the Department of International Relations and European Integration, Mr David Chitaishvili, and Head of the Department of Biodiversity Policy, Ms. Liana Giorgadze, attended the meeting.