Georgia’s Prime Minister meets his Slovak counterpart in Bratislava

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has met his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico this afternoon on his one-day official visit to Bratislava, Slovakia. 

After a busy morning, Garibashvili was welcomed to the Slovak Prime Minister’s official residence, where he was greeted by an honourable guard and the playing of both countries’ national anthems. 

The high-level meeting focused on trade and economic relations between the two partner nations, while Georgia’s European ambitions were also discussed by Garibashvili and Fico.

The sides underscored the positive dynamics concerning trade and economic cooperation and expressed the readiness of both countries to use their potential fully for mutual benefit,” a statement from the Georgian Prime Minister’s press service read. 

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico received his Georgian counterpart at his residence. Photo by Prime Minister's webpage. 

Regarding Georgia’s efforts to integrate into the European space, Garibashvili thanked his Slovakian counterpart for his country’s support for Georgia as it embarked on this journey. The Georgian leader also appreciated Slovakia’s permanent support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

While speaking about regional challenges, both sides emphasized the importance of the presence of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to Georgia and its observing of the so-called Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between Georgia and it’s breakaway, occupied region of Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). 

The EUMM mandate should be kept there, as [it’s] the only international security level in the area,” said Garibashvili and Fico.

 Georgia's PM Irakli Garibashvili made a note in the book for honourable guests. Photo by Prime Minister's webpage. 

Prior to the meeting Garibashvili met the Speaker of the National Council of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini. After this he visited the Bratislava Castle, where Pellegrini told Garibashvili the history of the important site.

Later today Georgia is due to sign several cooperation agreements with Slovakia. The agreements that will be signed are: 

• An agreement of cooperation to combat crime;
• An agreement on the transportation of people and goods between Slovakia and Georgia; and
• An agreement on readmission of illegal immigrants.