Georgian Government officials jet to Brussels this week

A delegation representing the Georgian Government will embark on a visit to the capital of Belgium this week.

The group, led by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili will arrive in Brussels on May 21.

The progress of Georgia’s relations with the European Union (EU) will be discussed at a meeting between Georgian Government high representatives and European Commissioners.

Georgia’s deputy Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said the primary aim of the overseas trop was to "demonstrate the EU's firm cooperation with Georgia”.

"The goal of the meeting is to deepen dialogue between the EU and Georgia as well as further intensify cooperation,” Zalkaliani added.

It is expected PM Garibashvili and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will meet in person and discuss various matters.

A large Georgia delegation will accompany PM Garibashvili to Belgium, including officials representing the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy, Energy, Justice, Agriculture, Reconciliation and Civic Equality and Europe and Euro Atlantic Integration.

The official schedule showed Ministers and deputy Ministers of the above mentioned departments will hold various meetings with members of the European Commission.

A plenary session is also planned.

The consultations will be followed by a joint press conference by the Prime Minister of Georgia and the European Commission President.

In the framework of the visit, Georgia and EU representatives will sign the Financial Assistance Program for Georgia, which will see around €19 million (about 45.5 million GEL) allocated to the country for institutional development.