Fiji and Georgia have officially signed the visa free agree­ment.

The agreement which was signed on Thursday will significantly boost the opportunities in areas of trade, investment, tourism and forge stronger diplomatic ties for the progressive development of both the nations.

The official signing coincided with the political consultations held be­tween Fiji’s Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Af­fairs, Inia Seruiratu and the Geor­gian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Khvtisiashvili.

Seruiratu said the visa free agree­ment signing reflects on the com­mitment by Fiji and Georgia to take their bilateral relations to greater heights.

It will not only allow the citizens of Fiji-Georgia to travel with much ease but it will enable the two na­tions to capitalise on the untapped opportunities through enhanced engagements in various sectors in­cluding business and investments.

Mr Khvtisiashvili said that the visa free agreement will expand platforms for Fiji-Georgia to max­imise collaboration in the develop­mental sectors.

He said there is huge potential for the two nations to strengthen part­nership in areas of business, trade, tourism and economic investments particularly given Georgia’s posi­tion as the hub between Europe and Asia.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia also updated the Fijian side on the situation in Geor­gia’s occupied territories.

It was also highlighted that strong relations between Fiji-Georgia has culminated in the provision of scholarships for Fijian students.

The first batch of six Fijian stu­dents who have taken their medi­cal qualifications at Tbilisi State Medical University through the Georgian scholarships offered to them through Fiji-Georgia collabo­rations have testified to the remark­able training and expertise they have acquired over a period of six years.

The students returned to Fiji last week and are looking forward to joining Fiji’s health workforce and contributing towards the enhance­ment of Fiji’s health services.

While meeting Mr Khvtisiashvili and Mr Seruiratu at the official programme, the Fijian students conveyed their sincere apprecia­tion and gratitude to Fiji and Geor­gia for their partnership which has provided them with the oppor­tunity to accomplish their career aspirations, which they said they wouldn’t have been able to achieve, had it not been for the scholarships.

Georgia has reaffirmed its support to provide more Fijian students with the scholarship programmes which will be broadened in the ar­eas of medical studies and business studies, as well.

Fiji and Georgia are also keen on exploring the possibilities of ex­tending their collaborations into the areas of Defence and Peace­keeping along with people to people links and sports diplomacy.

Source: DEPTFO News