The News in Brief
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Department Raises Concerns over Resumption of Direct Flights between Russia and Georgia
During a press briefing held on May 22, the US Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, addressed questions regarding recent developments in Georgia, specifically concerning the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's sanctioned daughter to the country and Russian aircraft arriving in Tbilisi. The journalist questioned the lack of US reaction and sanctions in response to these events.
In his response, Matthew Miller expressed concerns about the resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia.
The US Department spokesperson highlighted that many Western countries, including the United States, already have restrictions in place, prohibiting Russian aircraft from entering their airspace.
Miller stated that the resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia could potentially have repercussions for companies operating within Georgian airports, exposing them to the risk of sanctions. Moreover, Miller emphasized that the Western community as a whole has distanced itself from Russia and stressed that now is not the time to increase engagement with them.
Prime Minister of Georgia Meets Emir of Qatar
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, held a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. According to the Georgian government administration, the discussions revolved around enhancing the cooperative relationship between the two nations across multiple sectors.
Both sides acknowledged the significance of advancing economic cooperation, which remains a key priority on the economic diplomacy agenda of both Georgia and Qatar. The meeting also witnessed an expressed commitment to deepen and strengthen the existing economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister emphasized the Government of Georgia's eagerness to embrace Qatari businessmen who are interested in making investments across diverse sectors within the country.
"Held productive talks with the Amir of the State of Qatar. Discussed economic relations between the countries and investment opps in Georgia. Strengthening bilateral partnership with the State of Qatar is of utmost importance for Georgia to reach new milestones in our fruitful cooperation!" Gharibashvili wrote on Twitter.
US Department Raises Concerns over Resumption of Direct Flights between Russia and Georgia
In his response, Matthew Miller expressed concerns about the resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia.
The US Department spokesperson highlighted that many Western countries, including the United States, already have restrictions in place, prohibiting Russian aircraft from entering their airspace.
Miller stated that the resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia could potentially have repercussions for companies operating within Georgian airports, exposing them to the risk of sanctions. Moreover, Miller emphasized that the Western community as a whole has distanced itself from Russia and stressed that now is not the time to increase engagement with them.
Prime Minister of Georgia Meets Emir of Qatar
Both sides acknowledged the significance of advancing economic cooperation, which remains a key priority on the economic diplomacy agenda of both Georgia and Qatar. The meeting also witnessed an expressed commitment to deepen and strengthen the existing economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister emphasized the Government of Georgia's eagerness to embrace Qatari businessmen who are interested in making investments across diverse sectors within the country.
"Held productive talks with the Amir of the State of Qatar. Discussed economic relations between the countries and investment opps in Georgia. Strengthening bilateral partnership with the State of Qatar is of utmost importance for Georgia to reach new milestones in our fruitful cooperation!" Gharibashvili wrote on Twitter.