President Saakashvili said on January 14 that Georgia “appreciates the principle, far-sighted and I would say wise position of the Belarus leadership in respect of our relations – Georgia-Belarus relations, as well as in respect of relations within CIS.”

Speaking at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Andrei Kobyakov, in Batumi, Saakashvili said that Belarus was facing “many challenges.”

“I respect that firmness and courage with which Belarus copes with these challenges. I have also appreciated much when a significant group of Belarus parliamentarians – I was closely watching the debates – has openly supported Georgia’s territorial integrity. I think that Georgian people will never forget it,” Saakashvili said.

“We are now watching that despite the global crisis, despite great problems in Europe, despite the fact that Baltic and other states around you face difficult economic problems, despite pressure on your economy from various sides, Belarus is almost the only country in the region with positive balance and economic growth.”

“On the other hand, you are implementing economic reforms and we wish you success in all these. In any case, you should know that the Belarus people have friends in Georgia and we have a great sympathy towards your country, your people and your political, state figures. So, we are always glad to welcome you here.”

Saakashvili also said that Georgia was “always very glad to have relations with our Belarusian friends.”

“In summer I have observed a huge inflow of tourists from Belarus in Batumi and I hope the number of Belarusian tourists will further increase. They are very pleasant, friendly and disciplined people. It is very pleasant to have relations with them. We would like to further develop these ties. We would be glad if Georgians more actively travel to Belarus on their business trips or educational purposes and vice versa,” Saakashvili said.