Georgian PM, EU Ambassador discuss cooperation in farewell meeting
Garibashvili and Hartzell noted the “significant progress” and “positive dynamics” of bilateral relations, as achieved over the recent years. Photo: Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday held a farewell meeting with Carl Hartzell, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, with the officials discussing the existing cooperation between Georgia and the bloc in various fields before the latter’s end of term in the country.
Garibashvili and Hartzell noted the “significant progress” and “positive dynamics” of bilateral relations, as achieved over the recent years, the Government Administration said.
The head of the Georgian Government stressed the European Council’s granting of the European perspective to the country had been a “historic decision” which confirmed that “the future of Georgia lies in the European Union”.
He also extended his gratitude to Hartzell for his “steadfast support” of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the European path, emphasising the “significant contribution” of the Ambassador to the development of relations between Georgia and the EU.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday welcomed the “particularly close and friendly” relations based on “mutual trust, respect and common European values” between Georgia and France in his message congratulating the French people on their National Day.
Ireland is in favour of European enlargement, including for aspirations of European Union membership of Georgia, which needs “help and support and solidarity”, Simon Coveney, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday.
European Union Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell on Thursday said it was "very important for everyone in Georgia to realise” that the EU’s decision to “open the door” to Georgia with the European Council’s move to grant the country the European perspective was a “truly historic” moment.
The Georgian Government will continue to pursue an “ambitious” reform agenda together with the European Union to ensure the country’s eventual integration into the bloc, the Georgian foreign office said on Friday following the decision of the European Council to recognise the country’s European perspective for membership.