President of Georgia opens European Business Leaders Forum

By Natalia Kochiashvili

Thursday, August 29

During a visit to Paris, in an interview with Euronews, the Georgian president described the situation as a 'human tragedy' for the people living in the occupied territories.

President of Georgia at the opening of the business forum: “Georgia's European aspirations have never been so firm.”

President Zourabichvili pardoned 34 convicts in connection with the Saint Mary’s Day, of which 1 is minor and 8 are women.

President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili pays an official visit to France. During the visit, Zourabichvili is scheduled to meet with members of the French government and representatives of French companies. One of the authors of the social campaign Spend your summer in Georgia takes part in several events planned in Paris with the president. Keta Goletiani will introduce French entrepreneurs to Georgia's tourism potential. A meeting with young people is also planned.

Besides the meeting with the foreign minister of France and academics, one of the most important events on her agenda is opening European Leaders Business Forum.

President Zourabichvili held a meeting with the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian. According to the President's press service, the sides discussed the difficult situation regarding the security and human rights in the occupied regions of Georgia. The talks focused on the importance of France's involvement in the conflict resolution process.

At the same time, the main topic of the meeting was to move the political dialogue to a new stage. Discussions were also held on updating and strengthening the format of the Geneva International Discussions. The conversation also touched upon the importance of French investments. The President of Georgia discussed the prospects of deepening partnership and bilateral cooperation with the French Foreign Minister and prioritized directions for cooperation.

President Zourabichvili also held a meeting with representatives of academic circles in France. According to the President's Administration, the prospects of cooperation between Georgian and French scientists were discussed during the meeting.

The French side informed the President about the initiative to hold a scientific forum in Georgia, where Georgian and foreign students, entrepreneurs, professionals will have a possibility to exchange ideas in one space. The French side has already scheduled similar international meetings with about twenty foreign scientific academies.

Before delivering a speech at the Business Leaders Forum, the President participated in a Georgian-French workshop.

“Georgia is ready for new investments. French entrepreneurs, who have already entered the Georgian market, inform their potential counterparts in our country. French entrepreneurs are interested in investing in transport and services, with a strong interest in tourism development in Georgia, as well as in winter resorts and skiing,”-Salome Zourabichvili wrote on the social network after the meeting and noted that a digital academy is planned to open in Georgia.

Georgian President opened a business forum in France on August 28 organized by the largest business association MEDEF INTERNATIONAL. According to the President's press office, the forum was attended by 700 representatives of large French companies. These are companies that actively cooperate with the Georgian side.

Salome Zourabichvili addressed French entrepreneurs and guests and called for full Europeanization of Georgia.

The President told the audience of MEDEF International that Georgia is ready for closer relations with Europe in all fields. She stressed that Georgians are ready for "more Europe" in the fields of economy, education, sports, and culture.

“Georgia's example is paradoxical. As ever, it aspires to join the European Union, Georgia's European aspirations have never been so strong! … When they tell me that the European Union is a dream, I reply that the history of Europe is a dream come true: the reconciliation of France and Germany, the reunification of Germany and the expansion of Europe to the East. Europe is nothing if it does not dream, “the Georgian president noted.

Zourabichvili said that Georgia has high hopes for the European ambition pursued by French President Emmanuel Macron today.

“I told the president and I repeat here again: Georgia wants the success of the European Renaissance project,” stated Zourabichvili.

“Vive la France! Vive la Georgie!” - With these words, the President of Georgia concluded her address at the Business Forum.

Following the Georgian President's speech, the Irish Vice-Premier responded to Salome Zourabichvili about Georgia's place and its true home in the European Union: “We, as a small country like you on the other side of this house, will help you with everything we can,” said the Irish Vice-Premier.

MEDEF INTERNATIONAL is a private, state-independent organization. It brings together 800,000 French enterprises and is recognized as an important partner of the French government in both social and economic negotiations.

The organization was founded in 1989 to expand its operations outside of French companies, dealing directly with state leaders and private representatives from around the world.