Reuters: Georgia’s PM hopes Ukraine will choose Europe

Georgia’s Primer Minister Irakli Gareibashvili is concerned the political turmoil in Ukraine could expand and threaten the wider region.

Security issues and the country’s neighborhood policy with Russia was highlighted by the Georgian Prime Minister in an interview with international news agency Reuters in Washington.

"I very much hope that Ukraine will go back to its path to its European choice," Garibashvili said while emphasizing it was up to Ukrainians to decide whether to resume moving towards Europe or forge a path alongside Russia. 

His Reuters interview was part of his official duties, which included a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, where they discussed Georgia’s foreign policy.

Meanwhile in his Reuters interview, Garibashvili marked Georgia’s attempt to create balance in its relationship with Russia, while the country navigated its way towards European integration.

Garibashvili said Tbilisi was seeking a balanced relationship between East and West by deepening ties with the West and carving out a more constructive relationship with Moscow, Reuters journalist Lesley Wroughton stated.

"We made a firm decision to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union. At the same time we are trying to normalize relations with Russia and having this constructive policy with them," Garibashvili said.

"Therefore we need to find a balance and ... we have to persuade the Russian authorities that Georgia's European integration does not conflict with Russian interests. That's our mission," Garibashvili added.

The article emphasized recent American visits by Georgia’s and Moldova’s high officials, as the US offered support to the two former Soviet republics that were going through a transformation and had "balked at pressure from Russia”.

"I think the Georgian way is something that they should look at and should consider,” Garibashvili said.

Georgia’s PM also highlighted the importance of positive economic cooperation with the US.

"Developing the economy is a priority for my Government and we have made structural reforms and the results are just beginning to be felt," the Prime Minister said.