2017-02-21
On February 17-19, Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili participated in the 53rd Munich Security Conference.
The Prime Minister delivered a speech at the Fault Lines of Eurasia panel discussion and described the challenges facing Georgia.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia is a country striving to be a member of the European family and the Euro-Atlantic community, a country building a stable future despite all challenges.
"Georgia's territorial integrity is violated, and two of our historic territories are occupied by Russia, but even against this backdrop, we try to stay consistent, first of all, with our foreign policy goals. Also constructive to preparing ground for a long-term solution of our problems.
Georgia signed the Association Agreement very recently with the EU, and part of that agreement is DCFTA. Our integration with NATO structures is increasing. We are part of peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan. We are one of the largest contributors. We are participating in Central Africa peacekeeping operations with the EU. We are gradually becoming part of the European order. This is not a loud word because Georgia is building a country with systems closely in line with European standards," Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
During the 53rd Munich Security Conference, Georgia's Prime Minister had a number of important bilateral meetings.
Further advancing bilateral relations was discussed during Giorgi Kvirikashvili's meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence who expressed his hope to see Georgia's Prime Minister in Washington, DC.
As it was emphasized during the meeting, Georgia-US relations will not only continue, but also intensify to advance to a completely new level.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also met with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid to discuss joint e-governance projects and Georgia's tax reform based on the Estonian model.
During the meeting with the President of Afghanistan, the advancement of transport, logistics, and economic relations was pointed out. The parties discussed prospects of Georgian companies to participate in Afghanistan's state procurements, and the president expressed his readiness to consider this issue. Equally important was the meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini who made a tremendous personal contribution to adopting visa waiver for Georgia's citizens. The EU High Representative commended Georgia's exceptional progress.
The problems stemming from occupation and the role of the international community in problem resolution were discussed during the meeting between Giorgi Kvirikashvili and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
A meeting was also held with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım who referred to Georgia as Turkey's vital neighbor and strategic partner.
The Prime Minister also met with Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of the International Criminal Court. The main topic of the discussion was the ongoing investigation into the August 2008 war crimes. The parties discussed the investigation's current phase and cooperation with the Georgian side.
During the Munich Security Conference, meetings were held with Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Energy Maroš Šefčovič and Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Prime Minister's Press Office