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Visa-Free Travel to Georgia Now Available for Kuwaitis and Expats

Visa-Free Travel to Georgia Now Available for Kuwaitis and Expats

Arab Timesa day ago

KUWAIT CITY, May 28: Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi praised the distinguished relations between Kuwait and Georgia, stressing that the two countries are keen on strengthening their ties in various fields. In a statement on the sidelines of his participation in the Georgian Embassy's celebration of Georgian National Day on Tuesday, Marafi said 'this year we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Georgia.
These are distinguished relations and we look forward to developing them in all areas.' He revealed that 'arrangements are underway for high-level reciprocal visits before the end of this year. We intend to sign cooperation agreements during the upcoming visits.' He expressed happiness over the increasing number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Georgia, especially with the direct flights between the two friendly countries. On the other hand, Georgian Ambassador to Kuwait Noshrevan Lomtatidze affirmed in his speech that the State of Kuwait is the main international partner of Georgia. 'Georgia and Kuwait are bound by a close, multi-dimensional friendship and cooperation,' he stressed.
He stated 'it has been a year since I arrived in this beautiful country, Kuwait, which I believe is the jewel of the Gulf. I am deeply grateful to the Kuwaitis for their wonderful friendship and kindness. I love Kuwait and I truly feel like I am in my second home. I extend my sincere thanks to all of Georgia's friends in Kuwait.' He continued 'I would like to take this opportunity to express my special gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, whom I was honored to hear personally during my meeting with him, which pushed our bilateral partnership to new heights, thanks to his wise guidance.' He added 'given his proven record in foreign policy and his distinguished global experience; allow me to express my sincere appreciation to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for Kuwait's continuous support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.'
He also expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah; describing his meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister in February as wonderful, while praising the vital role of Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullah Al-Yahya. Regarding tourism, he said 'we are witnessing an increase in the number of Kuwaitis coming to Georgia, thanks to the direct flights of Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways to Tbilisi and Batumi, in addition to the visa exemption for Kuwaiti citizens and residents of Kuwait.' He asserted 'I welcome Kuwaiti businessmen and citizens in general to visit Georgia and explore the opportunities it offers in the hotel, real estate and agricultural sectors.'

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