2015-11-19
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili concluded his official visit to Brussels, where he held high-level meetings and attended the second session of the EU-Georgia Association Council.
During the Association Council session, the Government of Georgia submitted its annual report on the country's performance and reforms that have been implemented within the framework of the EU Association Agreement. The session focused on Georgia-EU relations, Georgia's EU Association Agreement implementation process, Visa Liberalization Action Plan, security policies, regional developments and the new challenges facing the international community.
The Association Council recognized Georgia as a leading state among the Eastern Partnership countries and commended Georgia's progress towards visa liberalization.
Frederica Mogherini, the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Negotiations, and Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, represented the EU at the Association Council session.
In his speech, Prime Minister Garibashvili highlighted the importance of Georgia's European integration and visa liberalization process.
"Georgia is determined to be successful on its way towards European integration. We have started the implementation of the Association Agreement and have seen results. We are ready to move even closer to the European standards. I think we have to demonstrate the progress to Georgian citizens. The visa-free travel will be main result in this direction. We hope for your support in proper evaluation of Georgia's progress,'' stated Prime Minister Garibashvili.
Federica Mogherini thanked the Prime Minsiter for the warm welcome she received during her visit to Tbilisi, where she witnessed the successful implementation of democratic reforms.
She continued, ''We can see the progress that is made on reforms. I hope that this progress will become more and more visible. The consolidation of democracy in Georgia is in our interests."
Following the session, Prime Minister Garibashvili, Frederica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn issued joint statements about the outcome of the meeting and Georgia's commitment to European integration.
Vice President Mogherini noted that the meeting confirmed the EU's commitment to deepening Georgia's political association and economic integration.
"We will continue to support the reform of the judicial system of Georgia and the efforts to strengthen the rule of law. We also welcome the fact that Georgia has successfully reached many gradual goals, envisaged by the Visa Liberalization Action Plan. Obviously, it is necessary to continue working on the remaining goals. As I mentioned earlier, one week ago, during my visit to Tbilisi, although I cannot tell you what will be the decision of the Council on this issue, but there are clearly positive trends," stated Vice President Mogherini.
Prime Minister Garibashvili explained that the meeting properly evaluated the significant progress that Georgia has made in implementing its EU Association Agreement.
"In particular, the process of political association and economic integration has accelerated Georgia's transformation and modernization. Georgia has made significant progress in areas like consolidation of democracy, strengthening of the justice system independence and the rule of law, fighting against corruption, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and providing for economic stability and growth," noted Prime Minister Garibashvili.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Georgia appreciates the EU's support in the reform process and hopes for future assistance. He also emphasized the importance of visa liberalization.
"This is one of the most important issues of our cooperation agenda. The government spares no efforts for achieving the gradual goals, envisaged by the Visa Liberalization Action Plan. We hope that our achievements will be properly recognized and reflected in the positive assessment of the EU, resulting in visa free travel for Georgian citizens to Europe. For Georgian citizens this decision will be a true demonstration of the fact that European choice brings concrete results," explained Prime Minister Garibashvili.
Commissioner Hahn confirmed that there is clear evidence of Georgia's achieved success regarding the implementation of democratic reforms.
"We recognize the efforts and achievements. Georgia has carried out the reforms in order to get closer to the European standards. The Association Council has stressed the scale of support of Georgia's political and economic reform," said Commissioner Hahn.
During his visit, Prime Minister Garibashvili met with Frans Timmermans, the First Vice President of the European Commission, to discuss increased bilateral cooperation between Georgia and the EU.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to implement reforms and dedicated efforts to adhere to Georgia's EU Association Agreement and Visa Liberalization Action Plan.
The two sides also discussed the new approach towards the EU's neighborhood policy. Prime Minister Garibashvili highlighted the importance of differentiation for countries with high ambitions, like Georgia.
First Vice President Timmermans expressed his support for Georgia, and highlighted the importance of Georgia's progress vis-a-vie its European integration process.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, discussed international efforts to combat terrorism, and expressed their deep sorrow over the recent attacks in France.
The Prime Minister was accompanied on the official visit to Brussels by a delegation of high-level government officials, including: Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Minister of Justice Tea Tsulukiani, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitri Qumsishvili, State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Davit Bakradze and State Minister on Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Paata Zakareishvili.
Prime Minister's Press Office