Georgian FM, Latvian counterpart discuss ties, EU integration

Georgia's European integration path and current state of cooperation between Georgia and Latvia were discussed on Friday in a meeting between Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and his Latvian counterpart Krišjānis Kariņš, in Riga.

The officials emphasised the importance of strengthening political dialogue and sectoral cooperation between the two countries, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.

Darchiashvili briefed Kariņš about Georgia’s progress in the implementation of 12 recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting the country its membership candidate status later this year.

The Georgian official highlighted the importance of the support from the member states in the “decisive process” of granting the EU candidate status to the country, with Latvian side “once again” expressing its support for Georgia's European future.

The parties pointed out “strong friendship and reliable partnership” between the countries, with the Latvian side “repeatedly expressing”  its support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as its European integration path.

The meeting also reviewed the security environment in the Black Sea region and the existing challenges 

The Ministry said Darchiashvili’s working visit to Riga, which was being held for the first time after a few years’ pause coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The sides noted importance of high-level visits, activation of political consultations and close coordination between the two countries, both in the agenda of bilateral relations and in joint efforts to overcome international challenges, with Georgian official inviting Kariņš to country.