The delegation of the State Agency for Religious Issues went on a visit to the Republic of Turkey.

Within the framework of the visit, the chairman of the Agency, Zaza Vashakmadze, met the chief auditor (ombudsman) of the Republic of Turkey, Sheref Malkoc. Before being elected as the Ombudsman, Malkoç was a chief advisor to the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and a member of the Turkish Parliament of two convocations.

At the beginning of the conversation, the ombudsman recalled his last year’s visit to Georgia: "Georgia is a small country, but with a big heart," he said and expressed his respect for the Agency.

The chairman of the Agency introduced the religious composition of Georgia and the religious policy of the state to the ombudsman of Turkey. The chairman of the Agency emphasized that the state values and promotes the unity of Georgian Islam. He spoke about the financial support of religions in Georgia, including partial compensation for the damage caused during the Soviet totalitarian regime and the return of religious buildings, according to him, 237 state-owned mosques were returned to the Muslim community. He also noted the role of Interreligious Council and the importance of tolerant and friendly relations between religious leaders.

The chairman of the Agency emphasized the strategic partnership between Georgia and Turkey and cooperation around common interests, he also noted that Georgian and Turkish people have similar values, including towards their country and family.

According to the chief auditor of the Republic of Turkey, in a Christian country the rights of Muslims are not as well protected as they are in Georgia. He was also interested in the contrast between Georgian and Armenian Orthodoxy. "The activity of the Agency is important for the stability of the country, and with such a degree of freedom of religion, Georgia is an outstanding and advanced country. "Freedom, especially freedom of religion, is a guarantee of peace," he said.

The meeting was attended by Davit Davitashvili, head of the Legal Maintenance Offiice of the Agency. In conclusion, the parties expressed their desire and readiness for future cooperation.