Georgian PM speaks against Russian occupation, reaffirms Georgia’s EU goals with Donald Tusk

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has spoken about Russia’s illegalities on Georgian territory and reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to European values during a press conference with the  European Council President Donald Tusk today in Brussels.

10 years after the Russia-Georgia war, the occupation and annexation of Georgian territories still continue, which worsens the security and human rights situation [on the ground]”, Bakhtadze said.

The firm position of the EU and our foreign partners against Russia’s unlawful policy, as well as their active engagement, play an important role ensuring Georgia’s territorial integrity in its internationally recognized borders,” Bakhtadze said.

Bakhtadze said despite the occupation the government of Georgia has offered peaceful initiatives to achieve the peaceful reintegration of the occupied territories.

Happy to welcome new Prime Minister @BakhtadzeMamuka in Brussels today. Georgia is a close partner and friend of the EU. Today I confirmed our determination to further deepen our cooperation. My press remarks: https://t.co/t5eJ74uXbApic.twitter.com/QrBbxGPn4L

— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) July 19, 2018

Speaking about Georgia-EU relations the PM said that Georgia was proud of its role in the EU’s security and stability.

He said that the new government of Georgia under his leadership was "highly motivated” to take genuine steps for the country’s democratic and economic transformation.

He said that a new roadmap will provide faster integration into the EU.

We do appreciate the EU’s and your personal role for Georgia’s European integration. Georgia is firm on the route and my first official visit in Brussels confirms our commitment to the European path and values,” Bakhtadze told Tusk.

Thank you @eucopresident for a very warm welcome. We value #EU’s support & personally your input in advancing #Georgia’s European integration process. During the meeting we assessed the achievements on our bilateral agenda&discussed further prospects of deepening our relations.

— Mamuka Bakhtadze (@BakhtadzeMamuka) July 19, 2018

Bakhtadze praised the opportunities provided by the Georgia-EU Association Agreement, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Deal and the Georgia-EU visa waiver which helped the Georgian people feel the benefits of being a part of Europe.

Tusk said that the EU is ready to ensure further cooperation within the Georgia-EU Association Agreement deal.

He gave high assessments to Georgia’s role in the Eastern Partnership initiative and once again voiced the EU’s firm position on Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.