Georgian PM, Estonian President discuss EU integration, cooperation

Georgia’s European integration process and a “wide range” of “long-term cooperation” topics were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Alar Karis, the President of Estonia, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Garibashvili highlighted Estonia's “firm support” at a “crucial time” for Georgia during the latter’s European integration, and informed Karis of related reforms implemented and in progress of implementation, the Georgian Government Administration said.

The PM said his Government had ensured an “open, transparent and inclusive” process for the implementation of the 12 recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting the country its membership candidate status later this year, and noted the process was at the “final stage”.

He added his Government was involved in the efforts in coordination with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and European partners.

The head of the Georgian Government extended his gratitude to the Estonian official for the “important support” provided by Estonia in bringing Georgian institutions closer to European standards.

The parties expressed their willingness to “further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and multidimensional partnership”, while also reviewing the “positive dynamics” of their cooperation in “various fields”.

The officials also discussed the situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia, with Garibashvili extending his gratitude to the President for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

The meeting also emphasised the “fruitful cooperation” of the two countries within the framework of international organisations.