2015-11-14
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, accompanied by a Georgian delegation, concluded a two-day official visit to the Slovak Republic. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of Slovakia's National Council.
The two sides discussed enhancing political, economic and cultural cooperation in the framework of Georgia's EU Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as well as Georgia's commitment to European integration. They focused on expanding their parliamentary relations and developing sectoral cooperation between their various government structures.
The meeting also highlighted Georgia's visa liberalization process, noting that the introduction of a visa-free regime is the result of Georgia's successful democratic reforms, and is a clear demonstration of European support for Tbilisi.
Pellegrini also noted Slovakia's membership of the Visegrad Four, and stated that one of their key priorities is supporting Eastern partnership countries, including Georgia.
Prime Minister Garibashvili thanked Pellegrini for Slovakia's respect for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and ongoing support for Georgia's European integration.
During his visit, Prime Minister Garibashvili attended an official ceremony at the residence of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The two leaders discussed their bilateral strategic relations and the importance of expanding the trade and economic dynamics of the two nations. They also focused on Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration process. Prime Minister Garibashvili noted his appreciation for his Slovak counterpart's contributions to strengthening Georgia's ties with the EU through political association and economic integration.
Prime Minister Fico reiterated Slovakia's firm support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and the respect of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also stressed the importance of visa liberalization dialogue.
The two sides discussed the regional security issues. They stressed the importance of the EU Observer's Mission, as the only international mechanism on the ground, and the necessity of preserving its mandate.
After meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference to summarize the results of their meeting, during which Prime Minister Fico explained that Georgia and Slovakia share common democratic values and traditional ties.
He continued, "I will be happy if we politicians get to know each other better and fully utilize the large potential our countries have. We have together with the Prime Minister made a joint commitment to exercise pressure on all our cabinet ministers for them to do the best they can to intensify our business and trade relations."
Prime Minister Garibashvili thanked Prime Minister Fico for his hospitality and his sentiments about Georgia's European future.
"This is my first visit to Slovakia, to your beautiful country, and I have to be very honest, I'm really impressed by the beauty of your country. I have heard from the Prime Minister that he was in Georgia in 1979, visiting Sokhumi. We, the Georgian people, have very strong ties with your country. We share the same history, the same values, same traditions, we have strong roots, and I'm here to make this relationship and friendship even stronger, and it is great that we have these natural feelings, a natural good relationship. We can develop many things. Georgians truly believe in the future, in the European future of our country. The European choice is the choice of my people and we are strongly committed to this path. We embarked on a very demanding path. It's a heavy path but we are fully motivated to fulfill it," stated Prime Minister Garibashvili.
He added that the implementation of a visa-free regime is an important element of Georgia's European integration process, and will serve as a clear demonstration of European support for Tbilisi.
The Georgian delegation included Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Interior Minister George Mghebrishvili and Minister of Agriculture Otar Danelia.
Prime Minister's Press Office