On 6 July, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto visited Georgia, marking the first high-level visit to the country since the start of the pandemic.
During the meeting with Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, the issues of bilateral cooperation and future prospects were discussed. Szijjarto praised the successful reforms implemented by the Georgian government and noted that the country is a leader in terms of both the Eastern Partnership and NATO relations. In his words, Georgia is a clear example of what kind of alliance NATO can have with non-member states. He also noted that Georgia has very important positive results in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Szijjarto also stated that the decisions of the country's government and the efforts of the citizens were noteworthy.
At the meeting with his Georgian counterpart David Zalkaliani, business issues and the intensification of tourism between the two countries were discussed. “There are many Hungarian citizens who want to come to Georgia. In order to give them this opportunity, we agreed to set up a working group to exchange information. Our friendship has deepened during the pandemic. A large number of medicines are imported to Georgia from Hungary. We want Georgia's integration into Europe to be fast,” Szijjarto stated.
He also announced that the Hungarian EXIM Bank would be opening a €155 million investment line for Georgia. Szijjarto explained that the line of credit would be used by Hungarian businessmen aiming to invest in Georgia and expressed hope the line of credit will be fully utilised.
The Hungarian FM also touched upon the topic of Wizz Air in Georgia, after the company pausing its operations in the country (Caucasus Watch reported). “Wizz Air flights have been reduced due to coronavirus pandemic, however, the reduction does not concern only Georgia and Hungary, because Wizz Air reduced flights to different countries as well,” he said, adding that “the Georgian government has always shown positive attitudes towards Wizz Air actions in Georgia and supported the company.”
