Georgian PM praises Gov’t, citizens for “shared commitment” in achieving EU candidacy
PM extended his “sincere gratitude” to the envoys for their “unwavering dedication, hard work, and patriotism”. Photo: Government press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday commended the “shared commitment” of his Government and the country's public in obtaining the European Union membership candidate status this month.
Addressing the annual Ambassadors’ Conference in Tbilisi, the PM stressed the efforts had “achieved remarkable success this year” in fulfilling the “key aspiration”. “This stands as a monumental accomplishment attributed to the collective efforts of our Government and people, reflecting our shared commitment”, he told the event bringing together the country's diplomatic representatives abroad.
The head of the Government also extended his “sincere gratitude” to the envoys for their “unwavering dedication, hard work, and patriotism”.
Recognising challenges facing the work for the accomplishment, Garibashvili also said his office acknowledged the “substantial contributions” made by both the Parliament and the Government, as well as the country’s diplomatic missions in achieving the goal.
The tangible results we see today are a testament to our joint endeavors”, he said.
Speaking about the country’s progress on its EU path, the PM highlighted Georgia's “transformative journey” since 2012, emphasising the shift from an “authoritarian regime”- in reference to the former United National Movement Government - to the country becoming a “top-10 global leader in democratisation” within 11 years under the current Georgian Dream authorities.
Before 2012, Georgia was distancing itself from Europe, forming an authoritarian, dictatorial regime. We recall vividly that no specific steps towards European integration were initiated. Instead, Georgia seemed to be moving further away with each passing year. In the span of 11 years, our nation has emerged as a leading force in democratisation on the world stage. Today, after over a decade, we proudly hold the EU candidate status”, he said.
Garibashvili attributed the initiation of the 2014 Association Agreement with the EU and the adoption of visa-free travel with the Schengen Area states to efforts of the Government and claimed they represented developments that had been “unthinkable” before 2012.
Such a milestone never materialises spontaneously, but is hinged on the transformative turning point Georgia experienced in 2012”, he told the event.
The Prime Minister added the progress under the administration of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of GD and former PM, and “continued efforts” of the current authorities had ensured the result, adding “the progress continues”.
Georgia obtained the EU candidacy on December 14 and received conditions for opening accession talks with the bloc.
Nikoloz Samkharadze, the Georgian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, on Friday said Georgia could close accession negotiations with the European Union, once the bloc would open it with the country, “much more rapidly” than any other country.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday expressed the ruling team’s confidence the country would join the European Union before Ukraine and Moldova.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday asserted the country’s authorities were committed to fulfilling the “historical mission” of the country’s European integration, a task he said had been “entrusted” to the authorities by the people.
Charles Michel, the European Council President, on Thursday said the Council granted Georgia the European Union membership candidate status.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday said the “fruitful” and “successful” foreign policy implemented by his Government over the recent years had led to bilateral relations with neighbouring states and European countries being “moved to another level”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday said “national interests” were the “key guideline, principle and constitution” behind policies of his office amidst an “extremely challenging” geopolitical situation.
Oliver Varhelyi, the European Union Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, on Tuesday addressed the ongoing annual Ambassadorial Conference in Georgia's capital city of Tbilisi by telling diplomats gathered for the event the country “belongs to the European family”.
Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, Georgia's Ambassador to the European Union, on Tuesday said it was “important” to continue working on the path of European integration in order to achieve the further goal of opening the accession negotiations with and joining the European Union.
The Government of Georgia on Monday revealed an action plan designed to fulfil the conditions outlined by the European Commission in November, a prerequisite for initiating accession talks with the European Union.
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Tuesday said the Government of the ruling Georgian Dream party was “consistently implementing” the policy that was “bringing the country closer to the European family”.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said Georgia would be “completely ready” to become a member of the European Union by 2030.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said his party's approval rating had reached its "high" since its assuming of office in 2012 following the country’s obtaining of the European Union membership candidate status earlier this month.
Mikheil Sarjveladze, an MP of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday announced the creation of working groups in the Parliament to address the nine conditions outlined by the European Commission for opening European Union accession talks with Tbilisi, noting the groups would be open for opposition participation.