Georgia PM joins Eastern Partnership Leaders video conference
During the video conference Prime Minister GiorgiGakharia has noted that Georgia aspires for a full-fledged integration into the European Union. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia joined a video conference summing up the achievements of the European Union’s six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries earlier today.
The leaders reviewed strengthening cooperation between the EU and the EaP, as well as measures aimed to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, when almost every restrictive measure has been lifted, we are prepareing for a gradual, but cautious re-opening of our borders. At the same time, when EU member states decide to gradually re-open their borders, I hope to see Georgia among the list of safe countries not only because we are close partners, but predominantly because of [the fact of our] being a safe partner", PM Gakharia said,
Noting that Georgia aspires to full-fledged integration into the EU, Gakharia said he hoped 'the EU will support our gradual integration into the single EU market, which will be a key benchmark for the EaP'.
We expect that an approach based on interests and progress of partners will be maintained. It may involve interaction with countries in a new format by facilitating a sector dialogue, supporting the essential connectivity with a specific focus on the potential of the Black Sea. It should be one of the benchmarks for stimulating the economic welfare and for meeting the connectivity goals of the EU and Asia", Gakharia said.
He added as well that Georgia relies on EU support for securing the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity within the country's internationally recognised borders and for greater engagement in peaceful conflict resolution within Georgia.
Photo: Goverment press office
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- President of European Commission Josep Borrell tweeted:
#EasternPartnership is a success story & remains at the heart of EU foreign policy. Today in a call with EU 27 & 6 #EaP leaders we committed to continue our joint efforts to build shared area of democracy, prosperity and stability for the benefit of the people. We stand together! pic.twitter.com/WeH99xcAcv
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) June 18, 2020
President of the European Council Charles Michel also said that over the years, the EaP 'has proven to be mutually beneficial and has been delivering concrete results for people'.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has thanked High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of European Commission Josep Borrell for condemning Russia’s widespread cyber attack against Georgia back in October 2019.
"Georgia continues to be a reliable and important partner for the European Union. We will be closely following political developments over the coming months, in light of the worrying increase in political polarisation in the country. We expect a level playing field and pluralism in the media environment for the elections later this year”, said High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell. He stated that the European Union ‘firmly supports’ Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia wrote on his twitter account that Georgia-EU relations are stronger than ever. He thanked the European Commission for additional support of 150 million euros to help Georgia limit the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
Georgia will benefit from over €183 million ($198,282,717) of redirected bilateral funds from the European Union in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Georgia's role in the wider Black Sea region, the country's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the occupation of its territories, security challenges in the region, and hybrid threats were the main topics of an address delivered by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI).