Georgian FM, Dutch Ambassador discuss ties, European integration

Relations between Georgia and the Netherlands, as well as the process of the former’s European integration were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and the newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Meline Arakelian.

Darchiashvili congratulated Arakelian on her new position, the Georgian foreign office said, adding the officials also highlighted the “friendly and cooperative ties” between the two countries, which they said had grown both bilaterally and within the framework of international organisations.

The meeting also covered the process of Georgia’s European integration, with the Georgian Minister briefing Arakelian about the steps the country has taken to implement the 12 recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting it the European Union membership candidate status later this year.

Darchiashvili expressed hope the decision on the candidate status would “appropriately recognise reforms and accomplishments” the country had made in a “number of areas”.