Joining EU “long but rewarding” process - Georgian PM in Croatia visit
The Georgian PM paid his first official visit to Croatia on Monday. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday said his Government was “well-aware” that joining the European Union came with “long-term obligations and responsibilities”, and added it was a “long but rewarding process”, in comments during his first visit to Croatia.
In a joint press briefing with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković in Zagreb, the head of the Georgian Government stressed “we do not shy away from taking these obligations”.
Hailing his Government's “excellent results” in ensuring rule of law, economic development, social security, and strengthening of state and public institutions over the past decade, the PM claimed the progress had been recognised in rankings by influential international institutions.
Delighted to meet w/ @AndrejPlenkovic ????????. Our countries share historical, cultural & European values. ????????highly regards ????????'s support to our sovereignty, territorial integrity & Euro-Atlantic integration. pic.twitter.com/H2SzVT7zdR
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) July 24, 2023
Garibashvili highlighted the Georgian Dream Government had ensured “all genuine progress” on the country’s EU path, which he said included the 2014-signed Association Agreement, as well as visa-free travel and free trade agreements with the bloc, adding “we are now closer than ever to the national goal [of joining the EU]”.
In this context, he highlighted the importance of the European Council’s decision last year to grant Georgia a European perspective, and stressed the country was expecting a “fair” and “strategic” decision from the EU on granting the country its membership candidate status in December.
This will be another historic decision and a well-deserved recognition of the successful reforms and positive transformation implemented in the country”, Garibashvili said.
Describing Georgia as the EU’s “most reliable partner” in the South Caucasus region, the visiting PM said his country had made a “greatest contribution” to European and international security through participation in NATO-led peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We are committed to the Euro-Atlantic integration process. I would like to emphasise that as a NATO aspirant country, Georgia has made significant progress on the path and has repeatedly proven it is capable of sharing the burden of collective defence”, Garibashvili said.
Pointing to Georgia’s “brutal war” with Russia in 2008 and continued occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territories by the country, the Government head extended his gratitude to the international community, including the Croatian Government, for backing Georgia’s efforts to resolve its conflicts peacefully through “effective use” of legal and diplomatic levers.