Georgia-EU relations intensify before 2015 Eastern Partnership Summit

"Today we have reached a qualitatively new level in our relations with the European Union (EU)," Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said yesterday after meeting European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn.

"This process involves deeper cooperation in the fields of politics, social affairs, culture, education, science, security, and others," he said at a joint press conference with Hahn after their meeting.

Garibashvili emphasized that effective implementation of the Association Agreement (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), was one of the top priorities of the Georgian Government.

"Four months into the provisional implementation of the agreement we have already seen initial results. It is especially exciting that our trade ties are enhancing with the EU in a number of directions, including the growing export of Georgian wine and mineral waters," he said.

He also noted the Georgian Government was making an all-out effort ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga to be an example of success as a reliable EU partner.

In addition, Garibashvili stressed the importance of the successful completion of all technical works stipulated in the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan (VLAP) before the Riga Summit. He also expressed hope that the European Commission would uphold visa free arrangements with Georgia.

European Commissioner Johannes Hahn and PM Garibashvili met at the Government Administration yesterday. Photo by PM's press office

In response Hahn said the EU was willing to assist Georgia continue reforms and strengthen its economy.

"I am excited to be in Georgia and to have this opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister and cabinet members. I am here not only to discuss issues related to the implementation of the AA, including the DCFTA, but also to hear Georgia's view on the Eastern Partnership Neighbourhood Policy ahead of the Riga Summit."

The European Commissioner discussed the importance of developing small and medium businesses as one of the main prerequisites for strengthening the economy.

"When it comes to citizens, we will support economic opportunities for all. Georgian businesses should benefit from EU regional initiatives. Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the country as they provide significant opportunities for creating new workplaces. A stronger economy is vital for promoting the welfare of citizens," he noted.

The EU official arrived in Georgia yesterday and began his three-day official visit by meeting PM Garibashvili.

Topics discussed at the meeting were priorities for developing EU-Georgia relations, political and social and economic reforms in the country and challenges facing regional security and the importance of the EU's role in this regard.

At the meeting Garibashvili and Hahn signed a document that will see the EU offer Georgia a support grant worth €44.5 million (101,323,486 GEL) to assist Georgia realise its European aspirations.