On January 22, Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues Zaza Vashakmadze met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Qatar to Georgia, Ali Youssef Abdulrahman Al-Mulla.

The introductory meeting was held at the Administration of the Government of Georgia. The Chairman of the Agency introduced the Ambassador to the main aspects of the State’s religious policy, the activities of the Agency  and issues of cooperation with religious organizations. The Chairman of the Agency spoke about the uniqueness of Georgian Islam, the traditionally tolerant environment in Georgia, and the prospects for deepening relations between the two countries.

The Chairman focused on the facts of gross human rights violations in the occupied territories of Georgia, A/R of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. According to him, religious rights of people are being violated in the occupied territories, including the right to receive religious services, right to movement and education. He also noted the facts of the encroachment of religious buildings and the erasure of Georgian cultural identity in the occupied regions by the Russian side.

“The State of Qatar supports the Georgian government and peace, we respect the Orthodox religion,” the Ambassador noted.

Ali Youssef Abdulrahman Al-Mulla expressed satisfaction with the religious policy pursued by the State towards the Muslim community. The Ambassador confirmed his desire to strengthen close cooperation and friendly ties with Georgia. Zaza Vashakmadze wished the Ambassador of Qatar success in his endeavors in Georgia.

At the end of the meeting, the guest was presented with the Agency's publications - "Occupied Heritage", "Religions in Georgia", "Functioning Cult Buildings in Georgia as of 2023" and " Functioning Cult Buildings in Tbilisi as of 2020".