Georgian PM discusses developments amid Gov’t’s EU integration suspension with CoE Secretary General

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday met with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on a visit to the country, to discuss developments amid public ongoing protests against the Government's decision to suspend European Union accession talks until 2028.

In his comments, Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of Berset's visit, describing their meeting as “very friendly, [and] productive”, with the officials agreeing to continue “close cooperation” between Georgia and the CoE.

The PM also noted a “significant contribution” of the CoE to implementation of reforms in Georgia and the country's European integration process, with the meeting also pointing out “fruitful cooperation” between Georgia and the body.

He said the sides had been “connected by very close cooperation since the 1990s”, and added it was “our interest that this cooperation continues as actively as possible”.

The head of the Government emphasised a “special role” of Berset in “fostering cooperation”, and expressed confidence Georgia would have the CoE Secretary General’s “personal support in all directions”.