2016-07-14
Batumi has become a platform for the high-level events - 13th international conference "Georgia's European Way - Stability, Development and Diversity" has opened today.
Prime Minister of Georgia addressed the participants of the Conference. Pursuant to him, it is significant that 13th annual conference takes place in European city of Batumi - the crossroads of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations from ancient times
"Georgia is Europe" - this was the opening message of the Prime Minister's speech, who considers that Georgia's history is linked forever to Europe's.
" Of course, it is not enough simply to say it to make it happen. We understand this, which is why Georgians are dedicated to doing all that is required-and more-to become a full member of the European Union. I am certain you will agree that our progress is impressive. I am pleased to confirm that Georgia is making steady progress in implementing the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement represents our roadmap for reforms in the economy, the environment, energy, industry, transport, consumer protection, and many other areas. We have already overhauled our legal and electoral systems aggressively. We have fulfilled all visa liberalization requirements, according to the European Commission and the European Parliament. Moreover, we met and applied many of the Agreement's provisions even before the agreement officially entered into force on July 1st,"- Prime Minister indicated.
According to him, Georgia is deadly serious about Georgia becoming full member of the EU. He welcomed the European Council's decision two weeks ago to convene a special meeting in Slovakia in mid-September to review the future of European integration.
"We urge EU members to understand that Georgia's commitment to Europe represents not a new problem for the EU to solve but a visible demonstration of everything right with the Union. Georgia does not mean more injury to the EU. Rather, it is a useful tourniquet to injury occurring elsewhere. It is hard for us to imagine a better advertisement for defending our unique European values than Georgia's passionate desire to share them wholly.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the time for the EU to turn inward, to become consumed by injuries to our body while ignoring its vibrant healthy parts. We very much hope, therefore, that the process of admitting Georgia will be concluded at the earliest possible opportunity," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
Head of the Government also elaborated on the NATO Warsaw Summit results. He outlined that Georgia's place is among NATO's most active members. He emphasized Georgia's contribution to the cause of strengthening international peace and noted that Georgia will spare no effort on its path to its Euro-Atlantic integration.
Prime Minister highlighted Georgian reform agenda and importance of holding fair and free environment for the October elections.
" This October Georgia is moving towards legislative elections, which the polls suggest will be highly contested. We have conducted successful free Presidential and local elections, and we will complete the circle with the legislative elections,"-Prime Minister stated.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also elaborated on regional developments as well as Georgia's leading positions in region and situation in the occupied territories.
"These developments are particularly alarming in Georgia's Abkhazia and South Ossetia - given the absence of any international monitoring on the ground. The EUMM is denied access to the occupied territories and thus cannot fulfill its mandate. We must, therefore, redouble our efforts to restore a comprehensive OSCE presence in Georgia," - Prime Minister stated.
Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia will continue our efforts to restore confidence, promote reconciliation and consolidate Georgian, Abkhazian and Ossetian, as well as other ethnic societies in one country.
He also presented his vision on future of Europe.
"This is kind of Europe we want to see: Europe that is open, tolerant and relevant to citizens; Europe that is self-confident and embraces technological change to promote economic growth; Europe without walls or barriers; Europe that can increasingly take care of its own security and be a provider of peace and stability in the world. In other words, we want to see united and free Europe," - Prime Minister stated.
State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration David Bakradze and Honorary President of GLOBSEC Policy Institute Rastislav Káčer opened the conference with welcoming speeches. The opening ceremony was attended by European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Speaker of Parliament of Georgia David Usupashvili, as well as members of legislative and executive branches of government, representatives of private, civic and academic sectors of EU and its member states as well as Eastern Partnership countries.
The apparatus of the State Ministry on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration organizes the event. GLOBSEC Policy Institute is the partner of this year's conference.
Prime Minister's Press Office