President of the Republic received Irakli Menagarishvili, the Minister Foreign Affairs of Georgia, who is on an official visit to Estonia, in Kadriorg today.

The Foreign Minister of Georgia forwarded to the Estonian Head of State the invitation to state visit to Georgia from the Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze. President Meri gratefully accepted the invitation.

President Meri emphasised Estonia's serious interest in developing relations with Georgia. In addition to political contacts between Georgia and Estonia, also co-operation in the fields of border guard, trade and other domains was discussed on the meeting. President Meri reiterated the need to take the co-operation to substantial level. Direct cultural contacts and routine work of experts should replace tourism-like seminars and conferences.

President of the Republic was also interested in the development of regions adjacent to Georgia. Foreign Minister Menagarishvili gave a thorough survey of Georgia's political development in recent years, of Georgia's efforts to create a sovereign power supply, and the political preferences resulting therefrom. The subject of liquidation of the military bases of the Russian Federation in Georgia was addressed more closely.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 23, 2000

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