Deputy Foreign Minister, Head of Anti-Corruption Bureau brief diplomatic corps on FARA, grants laws

The Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgi Zurabashvili and Razhden Kuprashvili, the Head of Anti-Corruption Bureau of Georgia, on Monday held an informational meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organisations accredited in Georgia.

The meeting focused on the recently adopted laws on the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and grants, as well as related topics.

During the meeting, representatives of the Anti-Corruption Bureau presented the Bureau’s role in implementing and enforcing these laws.

Diplomats were once again assured that the legislation is based on democratic principles and is intended to promote transparency and trust-based cooperation.

Kuprashvili emphasised that there were no circumstances that would endanger the work of international or non-governmental organisations operating in Georgia, and further provided detailed responses to diplomats’ questions.

The Georgian side reiterated its openness to dialogue and its readiness to continue cooperation with international partners in various formats.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, held a meeting with the diplomatic corps and international organisations. Mr. Razhden Kuprashvili was the main speaker, presenting comprehensive information on what the new law entails and what regulations apply to organisations operating in Georgia. It was a very engaging meeting for both the diplomatic corps and international organisations, with numerous questions and interesting answers”, the Deputy Minister said.

Kuprashvili added that diplomats were briefed on how the law was implemented and how enforcement was being carried out.

“We discussed the enforcement of the FARA and grants laws, explained the implementation process, and noted that there are no current threats to the work of international or specific non-governmental organisations. It was emphasised that the operations of organisations receiving donor funding will now be even more transparent. It was a valuable opportunity for all embassy representatives to raise questions directly with me and receive detailed answers. Of course, such informational meetings will continue in the future”, Kuprashvili concluded.