2016-06-16
"Georgia's European Way" was the topic of the public lecture presented by the Prime Minister of Georgia at Humboldt University of Berlin.
Prime Minister of Georgia explained the steps taken by Georgia in the direction of achieving its historical goal - European integration to the professors, educators, experts and students of various universities gathered at the lecture. He elaborated on the aspects that make Georgian-EU relations so important and why Georgia considers itself to be a purely European country.
Pursuant to Prime Minister, Georgia's European choice reflects not only existing priorities, but represents choice made by number of generations that share the common understanding of Georgian identity.
"This is a choice which helped us to achieve significant progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration during recent years. It has already borne fruit. We have succeeded and continue to succeed in implementing all commitments undertaken under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which for Georgia represents a blueprint for our country's development and the establishment of a modern European democracy. The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, as an integral part of the Association Agreement, ensures free and easy access of Georgian products to the EU market - the world's biggest market. In turn, this promotes a thriving investment climate and boosts economic growth in Georgia. But association with Europe for us is about much more than politics and business: we seek to bring Georgian and European citizens closer together, across a range of sectors and at all levels," - Prime Minister declared.
Pursuant to him, Georgia has achieved a considerable success in view of human rights protection and plan elaborated by the Government of Georgia is based on democratic values.
"We have significantly strengthened freedom of expression and freedom of the media. I was proud to hear that Freedom House and Reporters without Borders rated Georgia in 2015 as a leader among the Eastern Partnership countries, and that Georgia has advanced in the most recent rankings. Our commitment to freedom of expression will be crucial this year as we look ahead to parliamentary elections in October, which we aim to make the most transparent and fair in Georgia's history," - Prime Minister stated.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili presented the World Bank data indicating the significant ease of doing business in Georgia.
"We are a small, strategically located country of nearly 4 million with enormous economic potential. We are a democracy. We believe in a free, open and transparent business environment. We have pretty much eradicated corruption. Over the last 5 years, we have attracted billions in FDI and unemployment has dropped. FDI in Georgia amounted to USD 1.75 billion in 2014, the highest yearly indicator since 2008. In 2015, FDI inflow summed up to USD 1.35 billion. We share our values with the European Union and we believe that our future is in working together for a safer, more democratic and prosperous European continent", - Prime Minister explained.
Pursuant to Prime Minister, Government recognises that much still needs to be done and would like to count on your support for this. He also expressed hope that Germany will continue its support in the process of implementation of Georgia's ambitious reform agenda.
Germany has historically been a great friend to Georgia, and we would ask you to continue supporting us as we seek to come closer to Europe. Just as we hope to very soon be able to come to your country with visa-free travel, I would also like to invite you to come to Georgia - I am sure you will find yourselves warmly welcomed and at home there," - Prime Minister emphasized.
Prime Minister's Press Office