Georgian Dream Gov’t has done lot to bring country “even closer” to Europe - PM
Garibashvili “once again” expressed the “full readiness” of the Government leaders to continue the reforms to bring Georgia closer to its “European friends and society”. He emphasised “many common values” connecting Georgia with Europe, noting these values were based on Georgian identity and Christian values, on which “modern Europe has also been founded”. Photo via Government Administration
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The ruling Georgian Dream Government has done a lot, over the last ten years, to bring Georgia “even closer” to Europe, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Saturday during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Europe Day event in the country's capital Tbilisi.
Garibashvili noted Georgians and Europeans were celebrating Europe Day together, as “Georgians have historically considered themselves as part of Europe”, stressing the country’s goal was to become a full-fledged member of the “big European family”.
Photo via Government Administration
The PM highlighted the merits of his Government, including the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, establishing a visa-free regime and obtaining a European perspective, and stressed that receiving the EU membership candidate status required “more work, more reforms”.
I believe our European friends, the European states will make the only correct political decision this year and grant Georgia and the Georgian people the candidate status, as our country and our people, our Government, deserve it”, the Head of the Government said, adding granting the status would be “symbolic act”, but it would be “very important decision” for the country.
Photo via Governmental Administration
Garibashvili “once again” expressed the “full readiness” of the Government leaders to continue the reforms to bring Georgia closer to its “European friends and society”. He emphasised “many common values” connecting Georgia with Europe, noting these values were based on Georgian identity and Christian values, on which “modern Europe has also been founded”.
And so, dear friends, dear Ambassadors, distinguished guests, I believe that Georgia will become a full member of the big European family and Georgia will enter Europe with its own traditions [...] I wish Europe and our people peace, stability and prosperity”, the Prime Minister said.
The opening ceremony was attended by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, diplomatic corps, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, and representatives of the Government. Garibashvili expressed his “sincere admiration” for Herczynski, who addressed the audience in Georgian.