2015-11-03
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, accompanied by a delegation of Georgian government officials, concluded an official two-day visit to the Republic of Estonia. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with his Estonian counterpart, Taavi Rõivas, who noted that, "Estonia has been, and remains, Georgia's strategic partner and its strong supporter in European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes."
The two leaders discussed the importance of continued cooperation between Georgia and Estonia across several sectors, opportunities to enhance cooperation, as well as the shared interests, common values and close friendship between the two countries. They also exchanged views on current developments in the region, and Prime Minister Rõivas further reiterated Estonia's support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Prime Minister Garibashvili and Prime Minister Rõivas also signed an agreement titled, "Investment Encouragement between Georgia and Estonian Republic and Introduction of Amendments to the Agreement on Mutual Defense."
During his visit, Prime Minister Garibashvili met with Kalle Palling, the Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee in Estonian Parliament to further discuss Georgia's EU Association Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, as well as the political and economic reforms process and regional security issues.
Prime Minister Garibashvili also met with Eiki Nestor, President of the Estonian Parliament, to discuss the Georgia-Estonia bilateral relationship, noting the development of interstate parliamentary relations.
While in Estonia, Prime Minister Garibashvili attended a high-level meeting with Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves. The two sides underlined the close cooperation between Georgia and Estonia, Georgia's commitment to European integration, as well as both nations' current challenges and future prospects. President Ilves mentioned that Prime Minister Garibashvili's visit underlined the special partnership between the two nations, and he also he reaffirmed Estonia's firm support of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration process.
The meeting with the President provided an opportunity to further discuss the upcoming Warsaw Summit. The two sides reiterated the importance of the ongoing implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, and noted their hope that Georgia's progress towards integration will be highlighted at next year's summit.
Estonian Foreign Minister hosted an event for the Prime Minister, providing him an opportunity to express gratitude for Estonia's continued support for Georgia and respect for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Georgian delegation also had an opportunity to visit the Tallinn University of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, MEKTORY, and paid tributes to those who died in the fight for Estonian independence. a memorial and laid a wreath at the sight to pay tribute to those who died in the fight for Estonian.
Prime Minister's Press Office