German Chancellor: Georgia has made great progress during last decade
The two leaders have discussed several topics including situation in the occupied territories. Photo: President's office
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is happy to see much progress in Georgia since her last visit to the country 10 years ago.
I am happy to see Georgia on a path of democratic and economic improvement. I think you have made great progress during the last 10 years,” Merkel said while meeting with President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili.
The two leaders discussed several topics, from the Georgia-Germany cooperation agenda including economy, trade, Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, the situation in the occupied territories, security and defence.
“Germany has been a great supporter of Georgia for many years. At the same time, when we think about our future and the most problematic issues for Georgia we remember that Germany was separated and it became a unified, strong nation, a leader and visionary of European processes. We hope for the same future for Georgia and we know that we have great friends like Germany on this path,” President Margvelashvili said.
As the Secretary of the National Security Council David Rakviashvili said after the meeting, the chancellor has sent clear messages about the occupation.
“She said that Germany is going to be actively involved in the solution of Georgia’’s problems and as proof of this, she will visit the occupation line tomorrow. She has clearly stated that what happened 10 years ago is unacceptable and Germany will never become complacent [with the status quo] and will do all it can to put an end to the illegal actions of the occupation regime and improve the lives of people living across the occupation line,” he added.
Angela Merkel is visiting Tbilisi for the first time since August 2008 when she payed a one day visit for conflict-related talks during the post August 8 Russia-Georgia war days.
She will leave for Armenia tomorrow and finishes her South Caucasus tour with a visit to Azerbaijan on Saturday.
After a face to face meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and a meeting with part of te Georgian cabinet, she held a joint press conference with the Georgian PM.
The topics discussed at the meetings included the situation in Georgia’s regions occupied by Russia, the country’s European aspirations and integration and the deepening of the economic and cultural ties.
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