Georgia’s Ambassador says number of Iranian citizens who were refused to enter Georgia  is not significantly increased

The Iranian side believed that a large number of Iranian citizens have not been allowed to enter Georgia in recent times, but statistics show otherwise, the number of such cases is not significantly increased,”- Ioseb Chakhvashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to Iran, told reporters on Wednesday.

He said there are some problems, including from the Iranian side and these problems are related to the export narcotic drugs in a large amount from Iran to Georgia.

“We have sent explanations to the Iranian side. There are some problems, including from Iranian side. Narcotic drugs in a large amount have been brought to Georgia. The Iranian side always underlines the following circumstances: Georgia and its border guards have full sovereign rights to act in full compliance with the law. This is Georgia's sovereign right to make a decision on the entry. They ask to be more loyal towards Iranian tourists and especially to Iranian women. There were no other reasons. The two countries have signed an agreement on cancellation of visas. Therefore, they can enter Georgia absolutely free and the statistics show it. About 350,000 people arrive from Iran to Georgia, "said Chakhvashvili.

The Ambassador said he had visited the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tehran twice related to the recent developments and he had important meetings regarding the bilateral relations as well as the “little misunderstandings” at our border.

“About 17 000 citizens of Iran crossed the Georgian border in November and just 425 of them were not allowed to enter the country. It’s too low number. The Ambassador of Iran had meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and his deputy. A thorough discussion was held. The sides expressed full readiness for future cooperation and elimination of certain shortcomings. Each case will be studied and there will not be any misunderstanding in the future. The Ambassador of Iran has held a press conference and expressed his readiness for cooperation. Bilateral meetings, including with the leadership of the Iranian border department, will be held in the nearest future. All the issues, raised between the sides, will be solved without any misunderstanding,” the Ambassador said.