WGS 2023: UAE Vice President, Georgia PM Witness Signing Of Government Modernization Deal

The UAE and Georgia have signed an agreement under the Government Experience Exchange Program, which aims at enhancing the latter's competencies, and providing innovative tools to help further the skills of government employees.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also held a meeting with Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday during the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 to discuss the bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Dubai ruler reiterated during the meeting the UAE's commitment to promoting discussions that would help address the challenges faced by world governments and build a better future for humanity, Zawya reported. He also highlighted the UAE's longstanding cooperation with Georgia, and proposed ways to strengthen their ties based on shared interests, particularly in the areas of culture and economy.

To formalize the partnership, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Garibashvili witnessed the signing of the agreement between the two nations under the Government Experience Exchange Program. Signed by UAE's Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the WGS Organization Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi and Georgia's Head of Government Administration Revaz Javelidze, the deal is also focused on collaboration and sharing of expertise on the modernization of government.

In a tweet following the meeting, Garibashvili thanked the UAE for hosting this year's summit, and described the country as "a great partner" of Georgia.

"Had productive talks with Vice President, PM of UAE & Ruler of Dubai @HHShkMohd at @WorldGovSummit. Grateful for hosting in UAE, a great partner of Georgia. Discussed deepening friendship & boosting economic ties and connectivity," he wrote.

The Georgia government also took to its official Facebook account to report about the meeting and emphasize the importance of the country's participation in the WGS.

According to the post, Garibashvili had the opportunity to present Georgia's potential as a "regional connector" between the East and the West during the summit. It also mentioned Georgia's partnership with the UAE, saying the alliance was key to strengthening the "fruitful cooperation" for the economy.

Meanwhile, Al Gergawi said the deal between Georgia and the UAE reflects the latter's keenness to share its expertise with other countries.

"It also aims to enhance the future readiness of Georgia through building government capabilities and empowering officials with the tools of the future," he said.