Georgian PM discusses country’s EU candidacy expectations, bilateral ties with Finnish counterpart, Serbian President

PM Garibashvili highlighted the importance of Finland’s support for Georgia’s European integration in a meeting with Orpo. Photo: Government’s press office 

Agenda.ge, 06 Oct 2023 - 11:48, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday discussed his country’s expectations of obtaining the European Union membership candidate status later this year with his Finnish counterpart Petteri Orpo and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Spain. 

Garibashvili highlighted the importance of Finland’s support for Georgia’s European integration in a meeting with Orpo, briefing him about his office’s work to implement the bloc’s candidacy conditions and stressed Georgia “deserved” the status, the Government press office said. 

The head of the Georgian Government expressed hope Tbilisi would have “strong political and practical support” of Finland in the process of obtaining the EU candidacy, before commending the “friendly” bilateral ties and discussing ways to further strengthen trade and economic partnership. 

The PM also extended his gratitude to the Finnish Government for its support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, the press office added. 

The meeting with the Serbian official was mainly focused on the existing “friendly, bilateral and multilateral relations” between the two countries, and prospects of future cooperation.