Politico: “Georgia needs a visa for its European path”

The European Edition of the political journalism organisation Politico has published a letter by Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili today.

In the letter Beruchashvili talks about Georgia’s desired outcomes and expectations from the Eastern Partnership (EaP) Summit, currently being held in Riga, Latvia.

"Riga simply must deliver a strong message of joint commitment to the European future of our region and back it up with concrete measures to realize this vision. An important element will be progress towards visa liberalization for Georgia,” she says.

Beruchashvili particularly stressed the significance for Georgia to get visa free travel with Europe, and what benefits it would bring to the country.

"Ending visa requirements for our people will boost tourism, cultural and student exchanges, and civil society partnerships. This will in turn help develop Georgia and anchor future generations firmly within the European family of nations.”

"Most importantly, it will provide a clear demonstration to Georgians, including residents of the occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and to those of the other Eastern Partnership countries, that the EU upholds a merit-based approach and delivers on its promises.”