The working meeting between Zaza Vashakmadze, the Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues and Zeki Levent Gumrukchu the Ambassador plenipotentiary and extraordinary of the Republic of Turkey to Georgia was held at the Administration of the Government of Georgia. The issues discussed at the meeting focused on the Muslim community, promotion of traditional Islam and religious education. The Ambassador positively assessed the activities done in this regard by the state and the agency. He noted that “extraordinary works are being implemented in this direction by the state”. Zeki Levent Gumrukchu offered Zaza Vashakmadze to get introduced with the experience of Turkey concerning religious education and further cooperation in future. 

Today on the 11^th of September the chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues Zaza Vashakmadze held a sort of introductory meeting with the representatives of Tbilisi organization of International Society for Krishna Consciousness Joseph Kapanadze (“Ishvara”) and Alexander Kirkitadze. The guests informed the chairman about the activities of the organization and expressed a desire to cooperate with the agency. For his part, the chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues introduced the agency’s activities and declared his satisfaction regarding meeting the representatives of Tbilisi organization of International Society for Krishna Consciousness. 

Today Catherine Cosman, commission officer of International Religious Freedom and Rayan Koening the newly appointed counsellor to the US Ambassador in Georgia met with the members of the interreligious council existing within the State Agency for Religious Issues.

At the meeting the members of the council that unites almost all religious organizations existed in Georgia, talked about important issues to them and about cooperation between the state and religious organizations. They all unitarily mentioned about the agency’s special contribution to the improvement of this collaboration. Religious confessions positively assessed the decisions made by the State Agency for Religious Issues on financing religious organizations and restitution of cult buildings confiscated during the totalitarian regime.

The State Agency for Religious Issues held a meeting with Catherine Cosman, commission officer of International Religious Freedom and the newly appointed counsellor to the US Ambassador Ryan Koenig

Zaza Vashakmadze, the chairman of the agency introduced guests the state religious policy, current situation in our country in terms of human rights protection and freedom of 

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, which is the greatest holiday for Muslims is celebrated on September 12-15, 2016. It is based on the idea of being devoted to God and its very essence lies in charity and assisting the poor.

The State Agency for Religious Issues congratulates all Muslims on Eid al-Adha and wishes success, kindness and peace of mind.