2016-05-13
Georgia aims at approximation to the EU standards and eventually, at becoming EU and NATO member; I would like to tell to individuals who speculate regarding the foreign course of Georgia, I reassert the fact that it is the unwavering will of Georgian citizens that has been demonstrated in number of cases through censuses and referendums, - Prime Minister declared during his meeting with the analysts of the think tank Chatham House.
Pursuant to the Prime Minister, the Government of Georgia follows the will of the society, its constituents. Government expect srecognition of progress attained by Georgia in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration
"These goals have no alternative in terms of security and defensibility of Georgia. Development is dependent upon the regional stability and peace. Georgia is participating in NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Georgia is the second larger contributor of this mission. We are consistent in terms of participation in the Missions in Afghanistan, South Africa, Mali. We have perfect interoperability with NATO troops," - Prime minister noted and discussed US-UK-Georgian joint military exercises "Noble Partner 2016" that ensure full interoperability with NATO militaries and expeditionary capacities of Georgian troops.
We attempt to be as constructive as possible in our relations with Russia, however, this does not mean that we will concede our ultimate goals of becoming members of the EU and NATO in the future, - Prime Minister noted while delivering a speech at the think tank Chatham House in London.
Pursuant to the Prime Minister, the Government is sending appropriate messages to ensure that Russian politicians do not misinterpret Georgia’s Western aspirations for the actions against its neighbors. “We attempt to deescalate tensions with Russia, including though opening trade and people-to-people relations. However, this shall not occur at the expense of conceding out important strategic goals. I would like to note with great regret that in political context, Russia is not being reciprocatory,” - Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also expressed concern with regard of the plan of Tskhinvali’s de facto authorities to hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation. According to the Prime Minister, respective statement fully contradicts to the existing international law principles.
“The facts of abduction of ethnic Georgians across the administrative borderline still continue; ethnic Georgians are deprived of right to obtain education in Georgian language in Gali district of Abkhazia. We would like to bring attention of our international partners to such facts. Two days ago I conducted a meeting with Thomas Hammarberg, who has been mandated by the Council of Europe to assess the humanitarian condition and violation of human rights in Abkhazia. I will have a follow-up meeting with him on Monday. As you are aware, around 20% of Georgian territory has been occupied. Notwithstanding the challenges, we attempt to undertake confidence building actions, including provision of free healthcare and educational services to the Abkhazian and so called South Ossetian population. I am proud to note that the confidence building measures entail some promising results,” – Prime Minister noted and indicated that the confidence between Georgians and Abkhazians as well as Georgians and residents of so called South Ossetia is being rebuilt.
Pursuant to the Head of the Government, this is a long-term process, however, the Government will remain consistent.
“We reassert, that Georgia will undertake consistent and peaceful steps to rebuild the confidence lost during the several conflicts that occurred in last decades. Resort to armed force is inadmissible and only peaceful resolution us possible. It will be attained through consistent policy of Georgia,” – Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted.
When I look to the future, I see a united and prosperous Georgia that is a proud member of the European Union and NATO, - Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed the analysts gathered at the Think tank Chatham House.
Head of the Government noted that he sees a future where we resolve the difficult problems and enjoy good relations with all neighbours including Russia.
"I see Georgia as a critical nexus safeguarding European energy security. I see a flourishing regional hub for trade, transportation, and logistics. This may seem like an unachievable goal, however, I would like to say two words that prove attainability of this aim. These two rods are "Leicester City"," - Prime Minister noted.
Head of the Government mentioned that Georgia has developed from a civil war-torn and warlord-ruled country into a country that enjoys Association Agreement with the EU, has attained sizeable progress in terms of establishing highest standards of democracy throughout the region and in a view of attraction of foreign direct investments.
"We are proud these results. I am optimistic about the future, especially when I view the progress we have made in the past quarter of a century. Notwithstanding the fluctuations of all major currencies throughout the region, Georgian currency maintained stable exchange rate and the in 2014 volume of foreign direct investments was one of the highest throughout last 10 years," - Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister also indicated that main purpose of his trip to the UK was to participate in the anti-corruption summit as well as to raise awareness among UK investors about Georgia's economic progress.
Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, according to the World Bank, Georgia is one of the easiest countries in which to do business. Georgia has the 9th lowest tax burden in the world. We have increasing foreign investment.
"We have increasing foreign investment, and all the major credit rating agencies consider us stable. We believe promoting internal economic development goes hand in hand with attracting investment. My government has adopted a Four Point Reform Agenda designed to ensure long-term sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Reforms will cover the the tax system, capital markets, the education and health systems and pension reform. In all of this, you can see the Government's commitment to creating a modern, educated, and healthy Georgian workforce that is ready to compete in the global economy.
Georgia has historically played an important geostrategic role in the South Caucasus region, and it's no different today. Georgia has become a vital transit and energy corridor. Pipelines linking Caspian oil and gas fields to Turkey and Europe pass through Georgia, as well as new road and rail networks that make Georgia an important logistical hub. The further development of our Black Sea ports, including the new Anaklia Deep Sea Port, strengthen Georgia's role as a Silk Road hub," - Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also discussed his meeting with the CEO of British Petroleum and noted that the South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion (SCPX) that costs 45 billion USD was the main topic of their conversation.
"2 billion USD will be directly invested in Georgia. We have perfect cooperation and thanks to this project, United Kingdom was among the largest investors of Georgia in 2015. Cooperation among Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and European countries continues. This is a strategically important project in terms of growing the importance of the region, diversification of the energy supply routes for Europe and increasing regional security," - Prime Minister indicated.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also elaborated on the opportunities provided by the DCFTA with the EU to the Georgian companies and investors. Since the said agreement enables investors to conduct export of goods and services produced in Georgia.
"It removes not only tariff barriers, but institutional obstacles as well for the Georgian companies. Since the DCFTA envisages transformation of Georgian market economy institutions. The competition agency, institutes of standardization and metrology, phytosanitary and food security institutions are being approximated to the EU standards that implies that services and goods produced in Georgia will be in line with the EU standards," - Prime Minister noted.
The Head of the Government also indicated the tangible progress achieved by Georgia in a view of human rights protection, reform of judiciary and media freedom.
Prime Minister's Press Office