UAE President Sheikh Mohamed on Friday held talks with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, during an official visit to the country.
The two leaders reviewed efforts to strengthen ties in key sectors such as investment, the economy, agriculture, renewable energy and sustainability.
Discussions held at the Georgian government headquarters in the capital of Tbilisi addressed progress made under a Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Cepa) signed in 2023.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Kobakhidze also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues, with a focus on promoting peace and security.
Sheikh Mohamed stressed the UAE's commitment to bolstering partnerships across the Caucasus region during the talks.
He noted that the Cepa agreement, which came into effect in 2024, had marked a major milestone in bilateral economic co-operation.
Mr Kobakhidze welcomed Sheikh Mohamed's visit and spoke of Georgia's desire to expand its partnerships with the Emirates.
The leaders also witnessed the exchange of an agreement between UAE real estate developer Eagle and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
The President also met Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, as part of his visit. The meeting was attended by Mr Kobakhidze.
Sheikh Mohamed had earlier been received by the Georgian leader at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, state news agency Wam reported.
An official welcome ceremony was held at the airport, during which the national anthems of both the UAE and Georgia were played.
The UAE leader's delegation included Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President; and a number of ministers and senior officials.
Georgia is a popular tourism destination for both UAE citizens and residents alike, thanks to its relative proximity, visa-free travel and its rich culture and abundance of snow-capped mountains for skiing enthusiasts.
The trip to Georgia was Sheikh Mohamed's second engagement abroad this week, coming after he concluded a visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
He held talks with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, as the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at advancing ties.
The leaders witnessed as deals were struck to boost partnerships in key sectors such as transport, energy and tourism, workforce development and ship building, while the UAE-Azerbaijan Business Council was also established.
Sheikh Mohamed later departed Georgia at the conclusion of his official visit.
He was bade farewell at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport on Friday by Mr Kobakhidze, along with senior officials.
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If you go
The flights
Emirates (www.emirates.com) and Etihad (www.etihad.com) both fly direct to Bengaluru, with return fares from Dh 1240. From Bengaluru airport, Coorg is a five-hour drive by car.
The hotels
The Tamara (www.thetamara.com) is located inside a working coffee plantation and offers individual villas with sprawling views of the hills (tariff from Dh1,300, including taxes and breakfast).
When to go
Coorg is an all-year destination, with the peak season for travel extending from the cooler months between October and March.
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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