Georgian PM hails “historic day” in Hungary relations, calls Orbán “true friend” of country

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday said the first intergovernmental summit between his country and Hungary marked a “historic day” in bilateral ties, while also praising Viktor Orbán, the visiting Hungarian PM, as a “true friend” of his country and a “firm supporter” of Tbilisi’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and territorial integrity. 

In a joint press briefing with Orbán in the country’s eastern city of Telavi, the PM recalled his visit to Hungary last year, which included the signing of a strategic cooperation deal and an agreement on hosting the summit in Tbilisi. 

He also said the countries had been united by their commitment to ”traditional, fundamental values”, which Garibashvili said had played a “decisive role” in the “preservation of history, culture and identity” of both nations. 

Commending Orbán's contribution in “protecting and strengthening those true values”, the PM reiterated his views about the official. 

I said it in Hungary and I will repeat [here] that Hungarian people are lucky to have Mr. Orbán in such a difficult and unpredictable time”, Garibashvili said, and added “Hungary has a strong and patriotic leader who protects the interests of his country and serves the interests of his people”. 

The PM also said his meeting with his counterpart had discussed existing trade, economic, culture, educational, defence and energy cooperation, and stressed the states were enjoying “concrete, tangible progress and results”. 

He noted the ongoing visit of the Hungarian PM and representatives of his office would further strengthen the bilateral ties.