Georgian FM says Borrell visit adds “new impetus” to Georgia-EU relations, will have “significant impact” on country’s candidate status
Borrel started his official visit to Georgia today, with Georgian FM welcoming him at the Tbilisi International Airport. Photo via MFA of Georgia
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Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Thursday said the visit of Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative, to Georgia “certainly adds a new impetus” to Georgian-EU relations and will have “a significant impact” on the bloc’s decision in December on whether to grant Georgia its candidate status.
Darchiashvili noted the current progress in the implementation of 12 priorities, outlined by the EU last year for granting its membership candidate status to Georgia, would be the topic of the discussions, the Foreign Ministry said.
The visit of the EU High Representative is “a special message” from the bloc, which highlights that peace and security in the region are “a high priority” for the latter, he added.
Borrel started his official visit to Georgia today, with Georgian FM welcoming him at the Tbilisi International Airport.
გამარჯობა, საქართველო!
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 7, 2023
Delighted to arrive in beautiful Tbilisi.
Busy days ahead meeting with Georgian authorities, civil society and visiting @EUMMGeorgia in the field. pic.twitter.com/lvJjPm1CCY
In the framework of his visit, the EU High Representative will meet the Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili.
Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee in the Georgian Parliament, on Thursday described the forthcoming visit of Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative, to Georgia this week as “important” for the dialogue between the country and the bloc, ahead of the latter’s decision in December on whether to grant Georgia its candidate status.
Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, Georgia's Ambassador to the European Union, on Thursday hailed the upcoming visit of Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative, to the country as “very important” and a “big message”.
Archil Talakvadze, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Wednesday highlighted the upcoming visit of Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative, to the country by calling it a “high-level support for Georgia and a great political event”.
Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative, will be on a visit to Georgia from Thursday to Friday to discuss progress on the country’s European integration path and exchange views on wider foreign policy and regional matters, the bloc’s diplomatic service said on Monday.
Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative on Thursday said the EU door was open for Georgia and stressed the bloc “wants” to support the country on the path towards EU membership.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday hosted Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative at an official dinner.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Friday pledged the process of reforms in the country would continue until Georgia became a "full-fledged member of the European Union”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said the “main part” of the conditions for Georgia to receive the European Union membership candidate status had been “implemented”, adding there were “a few recommendations that we are actively working on”.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Monday highlighted the “important role” of the institute of the country’s Honorary Consuls for developing trade, economic and cultural cooperation with partner countries, attracting investments and encouraging tourism.
Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, on Thursday said he had “optimistic” expectations regarding the European Commission’s upcoming decision on Georgia’s EU membership candidate status.