République française

Chronology of Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and the French Republic were established on August 21, 1992.

In 1993, the Embassy of Georgia in the French Republic was opened.

In 1993, the Embassy of the French Republic was opened in Georgia.

Main Fields of Cooperation

Georgia and the French Republic intensely and closely interact in the fields of politics, economy, trade, defense, law enforcement, parliamentary relations, international development, and others.

On February 19, 2019, during President Salome Zurabishvili’s visit to the French Republic, “the Dimitri Amilakhvari Georgian-French Dialogue Partnership” declaration was signed. This dialogue includes political, defense and security, trade and economic, educational, and cultural aspects. The creation of this format of a political and practical dialogue between Georgia and France was necessary for bringing intensified bilateral cooperation to a new level. On December 2, 2019, the inaugural meeting of the Dimitri Amilakvari Georgian-French Dialogue, co-chaired by the foreign ministers of Georgia and France was held.

In 2018, the first trilateral political consultations in participation of the ministries of foreign affairs were held in the format of the Georgian-French-German triangle. The format aims to conduct regular high-level political dialogue with these two leading EU states and emphasize their special interests in Georgia.

The relations between Georgia and the French Republic are developing actively in both bilateral and multilateral formats. Agreements concluded between the two countries regulate areas such as defense, financial sector, trade and economy, culture, and education.

After the visit of the President of the French Republic François Hollande in Georgia on May 13, 2014, the relations between the two countries moved to a new stage. During the visit, the French President declared a decision by the government of France to open the French Development Agency (AFD) in Georgia. The opening took place at the beginning of 2017. AFD contributes to the further development of cooperation in priority areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, sustainable development, energy, and pension reform.

Georgian-French collaboration within international organizations is distinguished by its dynamism. France strongly supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and non-recognition of occupied territories in bilateral and multilateral formats. It also backs the resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees referred by Georgia to the UN General Assembly annually. France also participates in the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia.

During the 2008 Russo-Georgian war, the role of French President Nicolas Sarkozy (while the presidency of France of the European Union) was invaluable. The ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, was signed with Mr. Sarkozy’s mediation.

An interparliamentary group of friendship with France is functioning at the Georgian Parliament which is headed by Mr. Davit Songulashvili. Interparliamentary French-Georgian friendship group headed by Jean-Rene Cazeneuve operates at the French National Assembly, and a French-Caucasian friendship group headed by Senator Alain Houpert is established at the French Senate.

Bilateral projects are intensely carried out in the field of defense. Cooperation between the French mountain training schools and Sachkhere Mountain Training School has been developing successfully. In 2010, the school was awarded the status of NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” Training and Education Center. Georgia takes part in EU peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic and Mali, where Georgian soldiers, along with French militaries are providing security and stability on the ground.

The Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of France on the Residence of Qualified Specialists and Circular Migration came into effect on February 1, 2019. This agreement provides for the issuance of temporary residence permits for Georgian citizens for employment in France.

Cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science is developing successfully. Each year, the French Government provides scholarships for Georgian students and post-graduate students to study at French universities.

On May 26, 2018, an intergovernmental agreement was signed, which officially established the French-Georgian University (with double degrees). In addition, the French School of Caucasus and the French Institute in Tbilisi allow Georgian youth to master the French language and get familiar with the French culture.

In 2017, at the newly opened exhibition center "Wine City" (Cité du Vin) in Bordeaux, the exhibition "Georgia - Cradle of Wine" was organized, which was dedicated to the universal history of wine and winemaking.

In 2019, the Arles Museum of Contemporary Arts in France hosted an exhibition of works by Niko Pirosmani during a month.

Cooperation between the regions of Georgia and France is developing efficiently. Within the framework of interregional cooperation, exchanging visits, organizing conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and financing a variety of important projects take place.

On September 23, 2016, the Act of Return of Leuville Estate to Georgia was signed, ending the 25-year historical process and returning the land to the Georgian people. The members of the government of the First Republic of Georgia acquired the Leuville estate in 1927 where the Georgians in exile were settled during the Soviet occupation. 89 years later, Leuville's estate was returned to Georgia.

Useful Links:

Embassy Of France to Georgia

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic