Georgian PM discusses bilateral ties, EU integration prospects with Croatian FM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday discussed bilateral cooperation and his country’s European Union integration prospects with the visiting Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. 

In the meeting, the head of the Georgian Government highlighted the importance of the “positive assessments” on Georgia’s alignment with the EU framework in a European Commission report released this month, the Government Administration said.

He stressed Georgia “deserved” the bloc’s membership candidate status, adding the report had “once again confirmed this”.

• EU Commission report shows Georgia deserves candidate status as “top reformer” - PM

Prospects of a further strengthening of ties between the two states were also reviewed between the officials, with the PM thanking the Croatian Government for its “steadfast support” for Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. 

Georgian PM hosted the Croatian official at the Government office. Video: Government press office. 

The Croatian official is on his first visit to Georgia that comes on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

After meetings with several Georgian top officials, he is scheduled to sign an agreement on economic cooperation and a memorandum on diplomatic training between the foreign offices of the states, the Georgian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. 

In addition, the Croatian Minister will visit the occupation line in central Georgia to be introduced to the ongoing situation in the area, and lay a wreath at the Tbilisi memorial of those who died for the territorial integrity of the country.

The official will also offer a public lecture at Tbilisi State University, and meet representatives of local businesses.