Davos 2016: Georgia’s European future in focus at World Economic Forum

Georgia’s European future is being discussed in Davos by political, business, cultural and civil society leaders at the World Economic Forum.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze met his Austrian, Italian and Mongolian counterparts in Davos, Switzerland yesterday in the framework of the international conference, which is being attended by more than 2,000 political, business, cultural and civil society leaders.

Georgia’s European intentions and ensuring better political-economic ties between the nations were high on the agenda of the Georgian official’s agenda. 

The meeting with Austria’s Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Sebastian Kurz, focused on bilateral relations between Georgia and Austria, on Austria's support for Georgia’s visa liberalisation with the European Union (EU) and about Georgia's European integration.

Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked his Austrian counterpart for opening an Austrian Embassy in Georgia. Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. 

Janelidze thanked his Austrian counterpart for his country’s decision to open an Embassy of Austria in Georgia and underlined that this decision was "clear proof” of Austria’s political support for Georgia. 

Also yesterday Janelidze met with Mongolia’s Foreign Minister Lundeg Purevsuren. This meeting was mainly dedicated to discussing future prospects for bilateral cooperation, Silk Road projects as well as new opportunities for cooperation. 

The two nations have forged closer ties in recent months thanks to the Georgia-EU Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) deal.

Looking ahead both sides agreed to hold political consultations between their respective ministries regarding future collaboration. Afterwards Janelidze invited his Mongolian counterpart to Georgia.

Meanwhile at Janelidze’s meeting with Italy’s Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian official spoke about Georgia’s efforts to strive towards Europe and he praised Georgia for its democratic reforms, stated Georgia’s Foreign Ministry in a statement today.

The Ministry added the Italian official reiterated his country’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.