We see the possibility of cooperation with Georgia in many different fields, - Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investments, Khalid Al-Falih, said this during his speech at the Georgia-Saudi Arabia Business Forum held in Tbilisi.

Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investments of Saudi Arabia, thanked Georgia for hosting and organizing the business forum.

"I want to congratulate both our great states on 30 years of diplomatic relations. Our countries started diplomatic relations in 1994, shortly after Georgia gained independence, and we have 30 years of excellent friendship. During all this time, we have strengthened economic and political relations, especially people-to-people relations. Also, I would like to congratulate Georgia on receiving the status of a candidate for EU membership", said the Minister of Investments of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Al-Falih.

The Minister of Investments of Saudi Arabia recalled that in December 2022, the former Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, supported holding the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Khalid Al-Falih noted that a few months ago, Saudi Arabia won the right to host the World Expo 2030 with a convincing victory.

"Last month, the foreign ministers met and agreed on the creation of the coordination council. Today, there are 20 or fewer states with which the Saudi Arabia Coordination Council operates. Georgia is an important strategic partner for the Kingdom. This council will expand cooperation in the field of politics, security and economy. Also, in October of last year, a business council was created, which met for the first time last night, for which I congratulate the members of the council," said Khalid al-Falih.

According to Khalid Al-Falihi, Georgia has strong economic data and what Georgia has done after gaining independence is to be appreciated.

"We see opportunities in many areas, including logistics, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchange. As for transport, we want to connect Asia and Europe. In our case, we want to include Africa as well. This field has significant potential. The kingdom wants to expand its global economic ties. Georgia has an important strategic position. Especially the deep-water port of Anaklia, which is now developing significantly. In terms of tourism and culture, people-to-people relations have increased significantly since you lifted visa restrictions. Many people come to Georgia from Saudi Arabia. Our airlines have increased the number of flights to Tbilisi and Batumi. We are happy with your success in the field of renewable energy, green energy. We have many companies that want to invest in these areas. All this demonstrates our ambitions and cooperation", said Khalid Al-Falih.

Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili, in his welcoming speech, thanked the guests for attending and participating in the forum.

"I know that there was great interest in this business forum. Many business companies from Saudi Arabia have been represented and I am glad that you are with us. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading economies in the Persian Gulf and the wider Arab world. Investments play an important role in the relations between our countries. In recent years, we have maintained a high level of investments from Saudi Arabia in Georgia, and we are ready to support the further growth of investments. I would also like to emphasize the importance of high-level bilateral visits. Last year, the Prime Minister visited Saudi Arabia. Today, His Majesty is in Georgia, which contributes to further strengthening of economic cooperation. Today's business forum is another example of our successful relations", said Levan Davitashvili.

In his speech, Levan Davitashvili talked about the economic indicators of Georgia and noted that after the pandemic, Georgia had a rapid economic recovery, which was expressed by double-digit economic growth indicators in the last two years, in 2022 and 2023.

"We look forward to cooperation in the fields of tourism, green energy and transport." The business forum aims to strengthen partnership and create new innovative projects through dialogue. "Georgia's commitment to the diversification of the economy corresponds to the mission of the future of Saudi Arabia," said Levan Davitashvili.