PM discusses ties, cooperation, Georgia’s EU aspirations with Irish Parliament Speaker

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday discussed bilateral ties, prospects for further strengthening of cooperation and his country’s aspirations to join the European Union with Sean O’Farrell, the Chairman of the Lower House of the Irish Parliament. 

The meeting at the PM’s Tbilisi office also highlighted the importance of "high-level" bilateral meetings and “dynamic” relations between the legislative bodies of the two countries, the Government Administration said. 

The sides pointed to the “great trade and economic potential” between Georgia and Ireland, and a “favourable” business climate in Georgia for Irish investors. 

The PM told the visiting official his country expected a “proper appreciation" of [its] progress by the EU in the latter's upcoming decision on whether to grant Tbilisi its membership candidate status later this year. 

The head of the Government also said the country’s authorities were being “inclusive, consistent and transparent” in fulfilling the 12 priorities outlined by the bloc last year for granting Georgia the status. 

He also extended his gratitude to the Irish Government for its support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and territorial integrity, while the discussion also involved topics of security challenges sparked by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in the South Caucasus region and the wider world.