State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó announced at a press briefing today that a Hungarian-Georgian joint economic committee would be set up later this year.

The State Secretary signed a cooperation agreement with Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maia Panjikidze in Parliament, following which he highlighted that joint committees provide an excellent framework for the intensification of bilateral relations. He added that a vital element of the Government’s opening to the East policy is to strengthen ties with countries in the Caucasus, as their market structure matches Hungary’s economic structure, which could lead to fruitful cooperation. 

Hungary and Georgia had a trade turnover of 50 million dollars last year, which can be increased, the State Secretary said. Among key areas of cooperation, projects focusing on transport and energy, agriculture, water management and joint railway ventures are worth mentioning. He noted that 25 Georgian companies operate in Hungary and two pharmaceutical producers are present in Georgia.

The Georgian Foreign Minister expressed that the agreement is an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. She also stressed that the Georgian Government is committed to Euro-Atlantic integration and expressed gratitude for Hungary's support of this aspiration.

At the same time, the Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement with the State Secretary responsible for tourism. Ms. Panjikidze also met her Hungarian Counterpart, János Martonyi.

(Prime Minister’s Office)