Spain “fully supports” Georgia’s visa-free travel to EU

A Spanish Embassy will soon open in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This was announced after Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo met Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze in the Georgian capital yesterday.

A press briefing after the meeting also revealed a Spanish company would develop a space similar to Madrid Market in Tbilisi, which would increase the city’s attractiveness for tourists.

"We highly appreciate the Spanish government’s political decision to open an Embassy in Georgia,” Janelidze said at the joint press briefing.

"The first step in this direction has already been taken. Spain has already sent its charges d’affaires to Georgia and we are actively cooperating.”

Meanwhile the Spanish official said: "Spain supports the visa liberalisation process and expects positive signals in this regard.”

"We support Georgia’s rapprochement with Europe and we are glad that Georgia is successfully proceeding with the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU, including the DCFTA. Spain fully supports Georgia’s visa-free travel to the EU,” he said.

The Spanish Foreign Minister reaffirmed Spain’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Respect for territorial integrity is a main principle allowing the world to maintain international stability and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

The parties also talked about the potential of developing economic cooperation between Georgia and Spain. Janelidze said it was important for Georgia to benefit from Spain’s experience in the tourism sector.

"We also spoke about the need to establish direct [flights] between our two countries that will further boost tourism,” he said.

"Another focus of our discussions was wine tourism and prospects for its further development.”

The Georgian Minister welcomed the decision of the Spanish company Mercado San Miguel to invest in Georgia and introduce a space analogous to the Madrid Market in Tbilisi, which would make Tbilisi more attractive for tourists.

Later today the Spanish Minister will meet Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili before leaving Tbilisi this evening.