Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will attend the first International Space Summit in Paris on September 9-10 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
France and Germany will co-host the two-day meeting, which will focus on space research and science, as well as security and defense. The summit is expected to bring together government leaders and other senior officials to discuss international cooperation in the sector.
In his invitation to Kobakhidze, Macron described space as an increasingly important area for both security and economic development. He pointed to the growing use of space for civilian and military purposes and rising competition between countries, arguing that greater coordination was needed.
The summit will also address cooperation between governments, companies and international organizations, with discussions expected to cover space technology, industry and research. Macron has called for the meeting to produce concrete steps and stronger international cooperation, while also addressing the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili said the country's participation was important as space becomes a larger part of European and global security.
"President Macron's initiative envisages dialogue with partners and it is important that Georgia is invited to participate in the summit at the highest level," Bochorishvili told journalists.
She also pointed to the opportunity for Georgia to meet other participating leaders and discuss bilateral relations on the sidelines of the summit.
"Many delegations are represented there, leaders of different countries, and it is a good opportunity for Georgia to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of different countries," she said.
The Georgian Dream government said the formal invitation from Macron was received several days before the summit.
