Latvian President: Georgia worked hard to grow closer to the EU
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Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis and his wife are paying a visit to Georgia.
Calling Vejonis is "a very devoted friend of Georgia,” President Giorgi Margvelashvili said at a joint press conference this morning, adding that Latvia has done a lot to help Georgia grow closer to Europe.
The official welcoming ceremony of President @Vejonis and the First Lady at the Presidential Palace - #Tbilisipic.twitter.com/j26EVGgu3q
— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) March 28, 2017
He also thanked the Latvian President for his clear position towards Russia’s aggressive policy against Georgia and for being with Georgia on this historic day.
On the path that our people have chosen, which is European and Euro-Atlantic integration, where we have our friend’s support, we share the same views. In this context, the aggressive politics from our northern neighbor causes some difficulties,” Margvelashvili said.
The Latvian President condemned any steps made against Georgia’s territorial integrity including so-called parliamentary elections and referendums in the Russian occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), and promised never to recognise them.
We believe every country has the right to make its own independent decisions in foreign relations and security, which will be free from any external pressure”, Vejonis said.
Latvian President said his visit to Georgia signifies friendly ties between Latvia and Georgia.
This visit is also very symbolic because visa-free regime for Georgian citizens to the Schengen area has entered in force today to prove that reforms of Georgia have been successful. I’m confident that this free travel will bring Georgia closer to the European Union (EU),” President Vejonis said, hoping that travel will continue to strengthen cooperation between Georgian and Latvian people.
He believes Georgia has worked hard to grow closer to the EU and NATO; however, he added that reform effort is still needed in judiciary, rule of law and good governance.
Vejonis said economic cooperation between the two countries has increased in recent years and identified space for even more cooperation in information technology, tourism, trade and investment. He said the association agreement between Georgia and the EU has opened a door for more business contacts.
Friendly Dinner with President @Vejonis and first lady, before the official part of the visit, tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/PHIlf4Cgid
— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) March 27, 2017
Having arrived with his wife yesterday, Latvian President Vejonis will spend three days in Georgia. During this time, Vejonis has scheduled a number of events including signing a joint memorandum related to border security and investment potential with President Margvelashvili, opening a large-scale investment project in Georgia’s eastern region of Kakheti, attending a friendly football match between Georgia and Latvia, as well as visiting the occupation line in Khurvaleti village in Shida Kartli. The Latvian President will leave Georgia on Thursday.