PM Garibashvili delivers speech at Charles the Great award ceremony

The Prime Minister of Georgia has delivered the poignant speech at the 2014 Charles the Great award ceremony and congratulated the European Council President for his "priceless contribution to EU consolidation”.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy received the award in Aachen, Germany, overnight for his services to European integration.

PM Irakli Garibashvili is on a two-day working visit to Germany after being invited by Rompuy.

On behalf of the Government of Georgia and Georgian population, Garibashvili thanked Rompuy for supporting the country as it moved towards Europe and for his priceless contribution to EU consolidation and further development.

During his speech Garibashvili emphasized the importance of the EU and the benefit that expanding of this historical importance brings both for new member states, their economies and citizens and for EU member countries.

"Georgia shares the dream of a free and peaceful European space where there is peace and prosperity and which combines different cultures, traditions, languages and religions,” Garibashvili said.

"As a representative of a free and democratic country, I believe Georgia is able to make a contribution to strengthening the success of the European project.”

Van Rompuy saluted "the courage" of the three eastern European heads of government "during these tumultuous times," in one of a series of Twitter messages published to coincide with the ceremony.

Today I will receive the International #Charlemagne Prize in #Aachen: an honour. The event will be streamed live: http://t.co/RzfEVs3Btj.

— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) May 29, 2014

Three eastern European leaders spoke at Herman Van Rompuy's award ceremony in Aachen.