Romania supports Georgia’s EU integration

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta reaffirmed his support to the countries who aspire to join the European Union (EU), including Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine at a joint press conference with six Prime Ministers in Tulcea, eastern Romania.

The Georgian Prime Minister and leaders from Moldova, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Slovakia were invited informally by Prime Minister Ponta to visit his residential palace on June 22.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, in his welcoming speech, stressed that Georgia’s European course was "irrevocable".

"Romania is not just a bridge connecting Georgia to the European Union but also a faithful, reliable and strong friend,” he said.

He believed Georgia was ready to use the full opportunity of Association Agreement but at the same time, he said the Government realized the "hard work” that needs to be done once Georgia signs the agreement, which includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU on June 27.

"We are committed to double our efforts and are fully motivated to implement these reforms,” Garibashvili said.

He believed Georgian citizens would enjoy the benefits of the AA.

The heads of six governments expressed appreciation for the opportunity offered by the Romania's PM to visit Tulcea.

In turn, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, expressed support for Europe's openness towards those countries who aspired to integrate with Europe.

"This year we celebrate 10 years of the Czech Republic joining the EU and it is a great opportunity to remind you how important it is to keep open the EU for those countries which are ready to join us," said Sobotka.

The issues discussed at the informal meeting over the past two days included the development of the Eastern Partnership.

Ukraine's PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk was not able to join his counterparts in Tulcea because of developments in eastern Ukraine, according to the Romanian PM.