First Adviser of Georgian Prime Minister Fajtanj Likhava said he visited Cairo many times in the recent months as part of the initiative by the International Bank to help Egypt during its current economic crisis. Likhava met with a number of Egyptian officials from different ministries and sectors during his consecutive visits to Egypt this year along with his meetings with Egyptian journalists, a Georgian official said. Likhava said Egypt is able to overcome the current crisis if it took suitable measures in the suitable time, especially since the entire world expressed solidarity with the Egyptian January 25 Revolution. He criticized what he described as Egyptian skepticism over the intention of the International Bank, which prevented Egyptian officials from borrowing from the bank. He added Egyptians should not fear cooperating with international economic organizations. Likhava added the International Bank has rules about implemented in all countries, such as achieving transparency and economic reform, clarifying there is no arbitrary condition against Egypt. He said Egypt should not expect quick magical solutions from the International Bank, adding the organization has rules that cannot cope with the Egyptian economy. He demanded Egyptian authorities to open the door for negotiations to reach a suitable way for cooperation. He stressed Egypt should adopt new policies depending on the market economy and the private sector. In a response to a question about how Egypt can benefit from the Georgian experience in the economic reform, Likhava said Georgia is ready to offer its experience to Egypt and expressed his appreciation to its leading role in the region.
