Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Georgia Janos Herman congratulated Georgia on the historic show of support from the European Parliament (EP) in abolishing visa-requirements for Georgian citizens.
You have gained the unanimous support of the main kernel of the EP, which is a great success”, Ambassador Herman told Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili after the EP’s historic vote had come to an end at today’s plenary sessions.
In turn Kvirikashvili thanked the Ambassador for his support in this "difficult and long process”.
Ambassador Herman also said that almost 90 percent of the EP members from all the large political parties have voted for the right of Georgian citizens to travel without a visa.
The Ambassador believes this is an expression of respect from the European Parliament towards Georgia.
Meeting with Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili and with representatives of the diplomatic corps earlier today, Ambassador Herman said he believes this step will make Georgia and the EU even closer.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili watched live coverage of the EP plenary voting with the representatives of diplomatic corps. Photo by President's press office
Ambassador of France to Georgia Pascal Meunier also believes "the Georgian people deserved today’s decision”.
It is a big day today as Georgia has been waiting for visa liberalisation for a long time. But it is also an important day for Europe, because today’s decision reveals that despite the existing challenges, Europe’s doors are always open for friends like Georgia”, Ambassador Meunier said.
With 553 votes in favour, 66 against and 28 abstaining, EP approved visa-free travel for Georgian citizens to most countries of the EU at a plenary session today.