Bilateral Relations

Chronology of Diplomatic Relations

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and Ireland were established on 12 September 1996.

The Embassy of Georgia in Ireland opened in 2011 and Charge d'Affaires ad interim was appointed there. Given the increasing level of relations between the two countries, Georgia made a decision to appoint a resident ambassador in Ireland.

Main fields of Cooperation

Bilateral Relations between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland have become significantly active in recent years. The opening of the Georgian Embassy in Dublin has further contributed to bolstering existing partnership ties.

Of paramount importance is Ireland’s principled position on Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and European integration, which is further manifested by three Georgia-related resolutions adopted by the Irish Parliament in 2017 and 2018.

2021 marks the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Various events will be held to mark the occasion.

Currently, there are two agreements in force between Georgia and Ireland regulating cooperation in air transport and avoidance of double taxation.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation plays a significant role in the relations between the two countries. Parliamentary delegations of the two countries actively exchange their visits and interact virtually. Giorgi Khelashvili chairs the Georgian Parliament’s Group of Friendship with the Parliament of Ireland. In 2017, the Group of Friendship with Georgia was set up at the Parliament of Ireland. The group has been chaired by Senator Diarmuid Wilson since October 2020.

In recent years, trade-economic and sectoral cooperation has been significantly bolstered between the two countries. The launch of the Georgia-Ireland Business Council on 24 February 2021 points to the increasing dynamics of economic relations. Representatives of Ireland’s leading companies and academic communities are among the Council members. The Council will be led by the famous Irish lawyer and business arbiter James Bridgman.

As a tribute to friendly relations between the two countries, Georgia regularly takes part in Global Greening events to mark St Patrick's Day. On 17 March the Tbilisi mast goes green to celebrate the occasion.

In August 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Dublin and Batumi ports was signed which implies exchange of experience in the field of management and services, planning and development of infrastructure in the city-port, attracting investments, encouraging support for international projects.

Cooperation between the educational institutions has also deepened. On 25 June 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between the Tbilisi State University and the University College Dublin was signed.

Furthermore, the dynamic of cooperation between the local municipalities also contributed to deepening bilateral relations. In 2014, in the framework of the official visit of the Mayor of Tbilisi Davit Narmania to Dublin, Memorandum of Friendship between Tbilisi and Dublin was signed.

In 2016, following the visit of the Cork Country leader to Adjara to mark the “twinning" of Country Cork and Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Memorandum of Understanding between the two regional governments was signed.

Useful Links

Embassy of Ireland to Georgia (with residence in Sofia)

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Houses of the Oireachtas (Parliament of Ireland)

Ireland's Prime Minister's Office