Prepared by Messenger Staff
Botchorishbuli Visits Israel to Boost Cooperation
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, visited Israel on November 17-18 to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. During her trip, she met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and other top officials, including the Knesset Speaker, the Minister of National Security, and the Minister of Agriculture.
The talks focused on expanding trade, technology, and agricultural cooperation, as well as reinforcing the historical and cultural links between Georgia and Israel. Botchorishvili highlighted Georgia's interest in learning from Israel's experience in innovation and knowledge-based industries.
Security issues were also discussed. Botchorishvili welcomed international efforts to promote peace in the region and emphasized Georgia's support for stability and collaboration on counterterrorism. She said the 2024 Israel-Hamas developments show how important it is to protect citizens from external pressures, and stressed the value of international partnerships.
In addition to political and economic meetings, Botchorishvili's visit included cultural engagements to highlight the longstanding connection of the Georgian Jewish community with Israel. Officials from both countries said the visit reflects Georgia's goal of strengthening international partnerships and expanding its diplomatic presence in the Middle East.
By the end of the trip, both sides expressed commitment to continue dialogue and explore further cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange. The visit is seen as a step toward deepening bilateral relations and building stronger long-term ties between the two countries.
Georgian Dream to Abolish Anti-Corruption Bureau
Georgia will reorganize several government agencies as part of a major institutional reform, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced at a briefing. Starting March 2, 2026, the Anti-Corruption Bureau will be abolished, with its responsibilities fully transferred to the State Audit Office. The Personal Data Protection Service will also be dissolved on the same date, with its functions moving to the Audit Office.
In addition, the Business Ombudsman's Office will be abolished starting January 1, 2026, and its duties will be integrated into the Ministry of Economy. Papuashvili said this change will allow faster responses to business needs and improve coordination at the political level.
Explaining the reform, Papuashvili said the goal is to strengthen the constitutional framework, optimize state resources, and improve efficiency. He noted that fighting corruption remains a top priority and that multiple agencies, including the Efficiency Department, the State Audit Office, the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service, and the Prosecutor's Office, have been involved in these efforts.
Currently, the Anti-Corruption Bureau collects and monitors declarations of officials, political parties, and non-governmental organizations. Papuashvili said transferring these functions to the State Audit Office aligns them with a higher-level, independent constitutional body, providing greater institutional autonomy in line with international standards.
The overall reform is expected to save around 20 million GEL annually, simplify structural functions, clarify responsibilities, and improve management efficiency across the government.
