Austrian Chancellor: “very important” to support Georgia on its Western path

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Friday said it was “very important” to support Georgia on its Western integration both in what the country had already accomplished and in measures still ahead for the process. 

At a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili, Nehammer stressed Georgia had a “very bitter” experience of conflicts, but was regarded a “reliable mediator" between conflicting parties in the South Caucasus region. 

The Chancellor also extended his gratitude to the Georgian Government for measures for maintaining peace under the occupation of 20 percent of the country’s territory by Russia, pointing out Georgia was a "very important" and "special" partner in the partnership between East and West.

From Austria's perspective, it is very important to support Georgia, a country that shares European values, and is moving towards Europe. We should support it on this way, so that it gets closer and really becomes part of our society, our unity”, he concluded in his comments.