Italian President: “absolutely logical” that Georgia as member of “European civilisation” wants to become full EU member

Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday said Georgia’s bid for European Union membership was “absolutely logical” given the country’s belonging to the “European civilisation,” pointing out Italy supported the aspiration of the country.

During a joint press conference with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Mattarella underlined Tbilisi and Rome had a “common stance” on the issues of international politics.

In his speech, the Italian President also focused on the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia by saying his country did not recognise the de facto occupation of Georgian territories by Russia.

Mattarella also spoke about bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasising Italy and Georgia were “united” in many ways, naming their economic and cultural ties in particular.