On 11-13 June 2007 Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli visited Czech Republic.
On the first day of his visit in Prague Zurab Noghaideli appeared with a speech at the event organized by the Free Europe radio where the Georgian government was specially invited. In his presentation the prime minister spoke about development of democracy and economic growth as well as the successful reforms already implemented in the country. While answering the questions posed by the foreign journalists Zurab Noghaideli touched upon the relations with Russia and the territorial integrity of Georgia. He emphasized that Abkhazia as well as Osetia are inseparable parts of Georgia and that the conflicts should only be settled by way of peaceful means. After answering the questions the prime minister gave a comprehensive interview to the Georgian bureau of the Free Europe radio. The same day, Zurab Noghaideli took part in the live program of the Czech TV channel Ceskatelevize Enda.
On June 12, the Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Noghaideli met with the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Mr. Přemysl Sobotka. A number of issues of paramount importance were discussed at the meeting, including the issues related to increase of the Czech investments and the growth of trade relations with the Czech Republic. According to Zurab Noghaideli’s words, it’s very likely that already this year the Czech Republic will become a number one investor country in Georgia. The conversation also touched upon the prospects of Georgia’s integration in the NATO and the next steps to be taken in this direction.
"I am grateful for the support that we have been enjoying in the Czech Republic on behalf of the government and the parliament of the country as well as the Chairman of the Senate in person. We’ve also discussed the issues related to conflict resolution. We have a complete support of the Czech Republic in this line and we appreciate greatly the position of the Senate and the government of this country", Zurab Noghaideli stated after the meeting.
The same day, the prime minister together with the representatives of the Broadcast Board of Governors (BBG) attended dinner held in the residence of the Ambassador of the United States in the Czech Republic.
On June 13, on the third day of the visit, Zurab Noghaideli met with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Mirek Topolanek. Not only one significant question was discussed at the meeting. The conversation touched upon the trade relations of Georgia and the Czech Republic. According to Zurab Noghaideli’s words, there are a number of new investment projects which are still at the stage of review. With regard to implementation of the said projects Georgia received complete support of the Czech government and the prime minister in person. It’s so natural that the issues related to the settlement of existing conflicts in Georgia and the country’s integration in the NATO structure were discussed at the said meeting. According to Mirek Topolanek’s words, Georgia is a swiftly developing country and it may hope for the support of the government of the Czech Republic in relation with any issue possible. The questions connected with energy-security and foreign policy were also discussed at the meeting.
The same day, meeting of the prime minister of Georgia and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Czech Export Bank Josef Tauber, was held. The said bank is already partially financing two very serious Czech investments in Georgia in energy and health care sectors. A number of new projects which, from the point of view of their contents, are mostly of enterprising character were also discussed at the meeting. "We welcome the participation of our Czech partners as well as of the Czech Export Bank in this project. Review of some of them will presumably be finished by the end of the current year and accordingly, additional Czech investments will appear in Georgia’s economics," – Zurab Noghaideli stated.
Prime Minister's Press Service