David Songulashvili Meets With His Italian Counterpart in Verona

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. David Songulashvili, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of Italy, Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida, in the city of Verona, within the framework of the international wine and spirits exhibition ‘’Vinitaly’’.


“Our countries and peoples have developed a significantly deeper friendship over the decades. We highly value Italy’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its European and Euro-Atlantic integration process. At the same time, Italy can always rely on Georgia as a strong and reliable partner. Our country continues to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” stated Mr. David Songulashvili.


The parties discussed key areas for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the importance of joint scientific, research, and educational projects in the agricultural sector.


According to Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida, within the framework of cooperation, particular importance is attached to the exchange of knowledge and experience in viticulture and winemaking, agri-biotechnology, food safety, and quality control.


“The development of laboratory infrastructure, the implementation of joint research projects, and the adoption of modern analytical methods will contribute to further improving product quality, ensuring compliance with international standards, and enhancing export potential. In this process, particular importance is attached to deepening cooperation among academic institutions and research centers,” stated Mr. David Songulashvili.


At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to establish regular formats for expert-level dialogue between Georgia and Italy, including the creation of thematic working groups spanning key sectors of agriculture.


The meeting was attended by Georgia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy, Mrs. Tamar Liluashvili; Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia, Mr. Levan Mekhuzla; and Head of the International Relations and European Integration Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Chitaishvili.