2014-12-16
Members of the European Parliament
Strasbourg
France
Tbilisi, 16 December 2014
Honourable Members of the European Parliament,
Your esteemed House is this Thursday set to vote on the ratification of the Georgia-EU Association Agreement. I write to thank you in advance, on behalf of the people of Georgia, for your support at this crucial point in the history of our nation and of the wider European region.
The Eastern Partnership Initiative has encountered many challenges, but in my country it has been a great success and the EU can be proud of this. Despite enormous pressure Georgia has held steady to its European integration path. Over the last two years, the Parliament of Georgia has passed bill after bill reforming every sector of our polity and economy, with the aim of entrenching democracy, ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In bringing Georgia closer to the European standards, we have encountered many challenges along the way, and our journey is by no means over, but we are firmly set on the right path.
The Association Agreement with the EU provides a critical framework for this continued reform process, and the prospect of further European integration is a goal which the people of Georgia and all of their leaders are determined to fight for and achieve.
As we implement the Agreement and align with European standards, trade and investment flows are growing rapidly. Further institutional reforms and capacity building increase the stability of our country which is a strategically-located business hub and critical energy transit route. We are and wish to remain a reliable ally for the EU and NATO in a volatile region, contributing to the regional and international security.
The ratification of the Agreement by the European Parliament has a great political and symbolic significance to Georgia and I hope it will encourage national parliaments of the EU Member States to follow suit. The full entry into force of the Association Agreement will signal the determination of the EU and of Georgia to promote and defend our shared values and deliver on our commitments. The tangible results of association, from free trade to visa-free travel, will bring immediate benefits to our people, while in the longer term promoting broader regional peace, democracy, exchange and prosperity.
By working together, dear Friends, it is my sincere belief that we can prevent the creation of new dividing lines on our continent, and ensure a better future for the generations to come than for those recently passed.
Thank you once again for your continued valuable support.
Sincerely Yours,
Irakli Garibashvili
Prime Minister of Georgia