Swedish official praises Georgia-EU deal

The Georgia-EU Association Agreement (AA) deal was the result of hard work and overcoming many challenges, said Swedish Foreign Minister during his visit to Georgia today.

His comments come three days after the country signed the AA with the EU.

Bildt, who is a strong supporter of the EU Eastern Partnership, paid a visit to Tbilisi today to show continuous support to the country and "to get a fresh perspective on how to further facilitate the implementation” of the AA.

"The deals may remain on paper. Believe me there are many agreements that are inked only on paper but the Association Agreement with the EU is the follow up of Georgia’s economic modernisationin accordance with EU standards,” Bildt said at a press conference alongside Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze.

Bildt believed Georgia would face some challenges as it implemented the AA but the agreement would "open up significant opportunities for Georgia’s economic development”.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister expressed confidence that Sweden would support and share its expertise with Georgia as it looked to implement the AA.

Panjikidze said it was logical that Bildt was the first EU Foreign Minister to visit Georgia after signing of AA, which included the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

Earlier today Bildt said his trip showed his country’s continuous support for the steps Georgia had taken so far to develop socially, economically and democratically, and he aimed to refresh the understanding of what Sweden and Europe can do to further facilitate Georgia’s European integration process.

The Swedish official said having a political and economic association with the EU, Georgia would become more attractive to long-term foreign investments.

Later he wrote on Twitter that with continued reforms World Bank saw Georgia growth rate of 5.5 percent in 2014–2017. "And EU agreement will certainly help as well,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, Bildt met Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili. Georgia’s foreign policy was the main topic discussed between the parties.

During the meeting with Bildt, Georgia’s PM discussed ways to further deepen the economic ties between Georgia and Sweden and increase the awareness about Georgia’s investment opportunities with the Swedish investment community.

Garibashvili stressed the importance of having support from the Swedish Government as the country developed its democratic institutions, improved freedom of the media, natural protection and establishing a strong and pluralistic civil society.

After meeting PM Garibashvili, Bildt wrote on Twitter: "Warmly congratulate Georgia PM Irakli Garibashvili on the signing of the EU Agreement on Friday.”

Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine signed the AA, which includes the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU on June 27 in Brussels.

The Ukraine issue was also discussed during Bildt’s meeting with President Margvelashvili.

During his one-day Tbilisi visit, Bildt also met opposition member of Parliament David Bakradze and former secretary of the Security Council Giga Bokeria, where they discussed Georgia’s June 15 local elections.

Following his meeting with Bakradze and Bokeria, Bildt again went onto Twitter and posted a message that said it was good to see his old friends.

"Democratic opposition key part of any vibrant democracy,” Bildt wrote.

Bildt also congratulated Georgia on holding the local elections and believed Georgia would continue strengthening democracy in the country.

Bildt will visit the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, tomorrow morning.