Lativan envoy: Georgia “must expect” positive outcome on visa free travel to Schengen zone

A Latvian top official who visited Georgia this week believes the country "must expect” a positive outcome regarding visa free travel to the Schengen zone.

The thoughts of Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics was revealed today after he visited Georgia and met top local officials earlier this week.

After meeting Georgia’s Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili in Tbilisi on Tuesday Rinkevics said: Georgia must expect positive recommendation from Brussels allowing visa free transit to Schengen”, read a statement on Parliament’s webpage. 

Latvian and Georgians officials met in Tbilisi. Photo by the Parliament of Georgia. 

I would like to recall my previous visit to Georgia when the Parliament ratified the European Union (EU) Association Agreement (AA) with Georgia in Kutaisi. 

After one year we can see the progress in terms of harmonisation with EU legislation and the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan. It is important that Georgia participates in Eastern Partnership (EaP) events, which all in all conditions progress of Georgia on its EU integration path,” Rinkevicis said. 

In response Usupashvili thanked the Latvian diplomat for his country’s support of Georgia.

Usupashvili said Latvia was one of the most important friends and partners of Georgia. Latvia had constantly supported Georgia in international forums and both countries enjoyed successful bilateral cooperation.

During Rinkevics’ one-day visit to Georgia on Tuesday, the Latvian official also met Georgia’s Prime Minister, President, Foreign Minister and other high officials. He also travelled to the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with de facto Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) to see the creeping occupation firsthand.