საქართველოს მთავრობა|Government of Georgia

2020-01-23

"First of all, I would like to emphasize that it is a great honor for me to be with you and to have a chance of participation in these very important discussions. I would like to underline several aspects: first of all, I am here as a Prime Minister of the country, which is a leader of Eastern Partnership and this is very important for us. That was the first aspect. Second: Euro-Atlantic and European aspiration of Georgia is an established fact and it is a choice made by our citizens. Recent social opinion polls evidence that over 70% of our population supports the Euro-Atlantic integration. In the past 5 years we have had real and very tangible results: Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), Free Trade Agreement with EU and visa-free travel within Europe. Though, challenges are faced in security and economy.

When we talk about economy and think about getting all these achievements to citizens of the country so that our population benefit from all of it, we face problems in terms of connectivity. It is our top priority. Georgia is a gateway for Europe and Central Asia. When we talk about economic policy, we think of Georgia as a platform for the flow of goods between big economies. We fully understand and acknowledge that investments in the economy of Georgia are translated into the security of our country. When we talk about security, we see problems in the Black Sea.

Not only Georgia, but NATO also deems the Black Sea Security as a top priority. It is a new dimension for us. We perceive Georgia as a partner of the western world.

In this particular case, when we talk about future relations between Europe and Georgia, of course we understand that we can play a very important role in terms of security.

By security we mean cooperation in the Black Sea region. After the Crimea, we understand how important the Black Sea Security is. On the other hand, when we talk about economy, we need more cooperation with the EU and greater focus should be made on the connectivity.

When a strong legal framework exists in the country, e.g. DCFTA, but no land border with the EU, it creates real problems and it is a challenge that needs to be solved.

It is our aim in the coming years and we will achieve it by an increased connectivity through the Black Sea.

We fully understand that no means exist for real political discussions in terms of a membership or deepened relations, however we stand ready to do our homework. We believe that it is a chance for our country to get closer to the EU. Membership of Georgia in the EU and NATO is a guarantee for the security of our country. Also, we see the prospects of cooperation with Europe. Of course, we will do our best to keep Georgia as a discussion topic when you - our friends - talk about the future of Europe

We are in a region full of challenges and when you look at the neighborhood on the map you will see this yourself.

Occupation of our country is a pending concern. You all remember it well that 20% of our country is occupied by Russia. It is a challenge faced by our citizens every day. It is known to all that Government of Georgia is committed only to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. It is a commitment given to our friends. When we talk about our performance in the current situation, intensified strategic partnership with our friends - USA and EU - is the only way to survive in the region full of challenges" stated Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at a Panel Discussion on New Ambitions for Europe held within the scope of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos today. Prime Minister of Finland, Vice President of the European Commission and businessmen, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Volvo Group participated in the panel discussion.

Prime Minister's Press Office