The Committee, presided by the Chair, Beka Odisharia, heard information on the current year plan of the Department of Diaspora Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chairman of the Committee noted that in addition to the work of the Parliamentary Committee, the Department of Diaspora Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an important institution for relations with the Diaspora.

The rapporteur, Mukhran Gulagashvili, Director of the Diaspora Relations Department of the Ministry, thanked the Committee for its active cooperation and briefed the Committee members on the grant programs implemented by the Diaspora Relations Department.

M. Gulagashvili emphasized the importance of the Diaspora Initiatives Program. According to him, a new component was added to the program this year, which, in addition to educational and cultural areas, provides for the involvement and support of public diplomacy in the process of preparation for EU membership. He also explained that this part of the program is described in detail and a number of projects in the direction of EU integration are scheduled to be financed and implemented.

"Apart from the above, this year, based on constant interaction and consultations with the Diaspora, we have made a pilot program of folk ensembles operating abroad", - M. Gulagashvili remarked.

According to the rapporteur, one component of the Le Ville Estate Reconstruction-Rehabilitation project has also been accomplished and work is underway to fully implement the main project, which is expected to be completed by 2024.

The rapporteur answered the questions and provided detailed explanations to the Committee members regarding the submitted projects.

The Chairman of the Committee, B. Odisharia, noted that the involvement of the Parliamentary Committee in the diaspora projects announced by the Ministry is important.

The Committee took note of the report submitted.