Georgia's Foreign Minister visits Brussels

Georgia’s Foreign Minister is on a working visit in Brussels, Belgium to meet European officials.

On March 31 Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili, accompanied by the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration David Bakradze, met the Foreign Minister of Belgium Didier Reynders.

Meeting of Belgian MFA D Reynders w MFA T Beruchashvili of Georgia on bilateral and EU relations, regional situation pic.twitter.com/MjfIijx0WV

— Belgium MFA (@BelgiumMFA) March 31, 2015

During the meeting it was announced the Flanders Investment and Trade mission will soon visit Georgia for the first time, to get acquainted with investment and business opportunities.

Reynders expressed his firm support for Georgia as it moved towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Reynders noted Georgia’s progress in the Eastern Partnership format would be reflected in his statement at the Riga Summit on May 21 and 22.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Beruchashvili also met with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom.

Nice meeting FM of Georgia, Tamar Beruchashvili today. Discussed our trade agreement and upcoming Riga summit.

— Cecilia Malmström (@MalmstromEU) March 31, 2015

The pair discussed the current situation regarding implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and future steps to be taken in this direction.

At the meeting they emphasized the importance of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Riga Summit in terms of promoting the process of Georgia’s political association and economic integration with the EU.

Georgia’s Beruchashvili underlined the readiness of the Government of Georgia to continue implementation of reforms under the DCFTA that eventually will attract more investments to the country, improve local and international business environment, create new jobs and facilitate the country’s economic modernisation.

The European Commissioner focused on the EU’s readiness to render relevant assistance to Georgia in implementation of reforms to successfully fulfil its obligations under the AA.

The sides welcomed an increase in trade turnover between Georgia and the EU following the provisional application of the AA.