EU official discusses Association Agreement with President Margvelasvhili

The importance of Georgia signing the Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU) and the future benefits the agreement could offer were discussed today by a leading EU representative and the President of Georgia.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili welcomed Thomas Hammarberg to his personal home today to informally discuss the future prospects of the AA and Georgia-EU cooperation.

Hammarberg, who is the European Union’s special representative for legal reforms and human rights, said he had a "very constructive meeting” with President Margvelashvili, which focused on Georgia’s signing of the AA and the commitments the country will need make take once the document is signed.

"I had a very constructive meeting with the President. We discussed how the situation will develop after Georgia signs the AA with the European Union.”

"In addition, we talked about the ways to implement the agreement and how the EU will continue to assist Georgia. After that we will have an equal relationship, as two European sides,” he said.

"So, the history does not end with signing this agreement, on the contrary, a new era of mutual support and cooperation begins now,” Hammerberg said.

The pair also discussed human rights protection and implemented steps to improve the state of human rights in Georgia.

At the end of the meeting, Margvelashvili and Hammerberg noted the importance of continuing high level visits in Georgia.