2017-05-28
The Prime Minister delivered a speech at the session held under the umbrella of the Global Security Forum. In his address Giorgi Kvirikashvili discussed territorial integrity of Georgia, ongoing democratic reforms, geopolitical role of the state as well as European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Prime Minister of Georgia also examined the possibilities of developing cooperation within the frames of the Eastern Partnership.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also updated the participants of the session on Georgia’s ongoing reforms and substantial progress achieved in that regard.
“Georgia has achieved a historic success – visa-liberalisation is an achievement that will bring tangible results to Georgia’s European aspirations. We have implemented reforms, signed the Association Agreement and the DCFTA and embarked on transformation of democratic institutions and legislation of Georgia to ensure gradual approximation with the EU’s legislative and institutional standards. As a result, we achieved the liberalisation of visa regime. This implies not only a visa-free travel for the citizens of Georgia – rather, this achievement carries deeper political significance, since the EU opened its doors to Georgian citizens. The EU took this step of political importance to commend the efforts undertaken by our country. This achievement did not come overnight;this process was accompanied by sizeable challenges, including the problem of occupied territories of Georgia. Hence, we can say that it is truly a great achievement,” – the Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also responded to question concerning the further steps of Georgia. He indicated that Georgia is preparing for the Eastern Partnership Summit that will be held this autumn in Brussels. According to the head of the Government, acquiring new stable allies in the eastern part of Europe becomes increasingly important, therefore, specific political goals may be set out during the Eastern Partnership Summit.
“Georgia is not a mere recipient, but also a contributor of the security. We participated in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan as well as crises management operations in Central African Republic and Mali. We have firmly decided to be present in any region or country where the civilized world considers that peace and stability shall be established. We are glad to see the success of Ukraine in the process of visa liberalisation. Success of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova is indivisible and important in view of consistent and stable progress of Eastern Partnership countries on this path,” – the Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister also responded to the statement of Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Education and Science VyacheslavNikonov. The latter indicated that Russian Federation dos not object to the prospect of Georgia and Ukraine joining the EU, however, Russia is against the NATO integration of the respective countries.
“Georgia is no longer a “Post” state. It is high time for us to forget that prefix. We are an Eastern European country is every sense. Georgia has one of the lowest corruption rates and in that sense we area head of many European countries. We have one of the best business environments in the world. According to the World Bank, we rank 16 globally. According to Heritage Foundation, Georgia ranks 13 in terms of freedom of economy. Our rankings improve on an annual basis. We have strong democratic institutions and rule of law strengthens every year. We meticulously follow the Association agenda and its action plan. Hence, opposing to Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations is completely illogical, since more than 75% of Georgian population supports NATO integration; whereas European integration is supported by over 80% of the population. We trust in value-based integration. We believe that these objectives will be achieved as a result of consistent and goal-oriented work.
Russia supports Georgia’s European integration? What is Georgia in Russian perception? This is the most important question. What does the Georgian map look like? Which country does Russia have in mind? These are the principal questions. I am sorry, but the remark concerning the low rates of economic growth sounds sarcastic in view of the fact that our stability is threatened by Russian intervention,” – Giorgi Kvirikashvili responded to the remark of the Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Education and Science.
While discussing Russian Federation, the Prime Minister also indicated that “one shall refrain from turning neighbours into enemies”.
“Being surrounded by stable and democratic neighbours serves the interests of each of us. On the other hand, this partnership shall be founded on the core principles of mutual respect to the territorial integrity and sovereigntyas well as respect to the sovereign decisions of other countries.”
Session “Eastern Partnership 2017” addressing the issue of security problems present in the Eastern Partnership was held within the frames of Global Security Forum.