2018-07-20
European integration of Georgia, EU Association Agenda, Eastern Partnership format and visa liberalization were among the key discussion topics of the meeting held between Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia and Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy today.
Head of the Government of Georgia once again stressed at the meeting held within his working visit to Brussels that European path of Georgia is irreversible and European integration is a firm will and choice of the Georgian people.
Attention was paid to the Eastern Partnership format, perceived as a significant opportunity of political association and gradual economic integration with EU. According to the assessment of the parties, Georgia leads among the countries of Eastern Partnership by the implementation of its democratic reforms.
Prime Minister and European Commissioner spoke about the Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). It was noted that trade relations with EU are steadily growing and positive.
Mamuka Bakhtadze briefed Johannes Hahn about a plan of reforms intended by the Government of Georgia, which are fully compatible with the EU Association Agenda. It was stated that EU fully supports the planned initiatives, which are aimed at the facilitation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
New programs and initiatives, part of which will be implemented in the nearest future, have been positively assessed by the European Commission. It was stressed that significant progress has been achieved by the country in many directions and EU continues to support its strategic partner.
Hopes were expressed that steps made forward and developed roadmap, aimed at a greater approximation with EU, will facilitate Georgia's return to a great European family.
Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the European Commissioner for his personal contribution to the intensified relations between EU and Georgia and advancement of the Eastern Partnership format.
Also, discussions were related to the establishment of a European School in Tbilisi with its regional importance and magnitude, which was a personal initiative of Johannes Hahn and official launch of which is scheduled for the nearest future. Special focus was made on the fundamental reforms planned in the education system, implementation of which will facilitate the sustainable economic development and inclusive growth of the country in the opinion of the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Meeting held at the European Commission was focused on the current situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, which was positively assessed, similar to the Government policy for the peaceful resolution of the conflict, along with the new peace-building initiative Step Towards Better Future. Johannes Hahn reaffirmed the solid support of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within the internationally recognized borders.
Meeting held at the European Commission was attended by David Zalkaliani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Natalia Sabanadze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Kingdom of Belgium and Grand Duchy of Luxemburg and European Union, Head of the Permanent Representation of Georgia to the EU.
Prime Minister of Georgia thus concludes his working visit to the political center of Europe - Brussels.
Prime Minister's Press Office