Iran, Georgia sign visa-free travel deal

Iran’s Foreign Minster Manouchehr Mottaki, during his visit to Georgia, has signed an agreement for visa-free travel between the two countries.

“By signing the deal for visa-free travel, the two great nations of Georgia and Iran have once again reinstated their historic practice of meeting without obstacles,” Mottaki said.

Speaking at a joint news conference with his Georgian counterpart Grigol Vashadze in Tbilisi on Wednesday, Iran’s top diplomat added that the two countries are determined to strengthen economic cooperation.

“We have also decided to give economic cooperation a major boost… and increase trade between our two countries,” he added.

The Georgian foreign minister also noted a substantial increase in mutual trade and the number of Iranian tourists visiting his country.

Iran and Georgia also agreed to resume direct flights between the capitals of the two countries.

During his two-day visit, Mottaki will also reopen an Iranian consulate in Georgia’s Black Sea resort of Batumi, closed for decades.

The revival of the diplomatic post, which operated in Batumi from 1883 to 1927, “will be helpful to deepening relations in various fields between the countries,” Mottaki said.

Iran and Georgia have expanded their ties and cooperation in the economic, industrial, and trade sectors in recent years.

Earlier in October the Iranian foreign minister had announced Tehran’s plans to lift visa requirements for citizens of neighboring countries, saying the move would help Iran increase its interaction and communication with its neighbors.