US Ambassador highlights support for Georgia’s transition to becoming EU member
In her remarks at the Georgian Parliament, Dunnigan noted Georgia receiving EU candidate status last year was a “tremendous step forward”. Photo: US Embassy
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Robin Dunnigan, the United States Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday highlighted her Government’s support for Georgia and its transition to becoming a European Union member state.
In her remarks at the Georgian Parliament, Dunnigan noted Georgia receiving EU candidate status last year was a “tremendous step forward”.
Once again, congratulations! We want Georgia to be a member of the EU. I know many of you in this room worked very, very hard toward achieving this milestone, and I know that you will be working hard in the months and years ahead on the legislation and other work necessary to fulfil the nine steps [for accession talks]”, the diplomat said.
She noted the US would continue to support the country in these efforts.
“We hope that you will also work closely with civil society organisations and all segments of society to advance the process. Ultimately, it will take consensus and unity within Georgian society to achieve EU membership”, the Ambassador noted.
One of the first things I did after I arrived in Georgia was to travel the other way again and go to Brussels to speak to the European Union about Georgia's candidacy and how the United States can best help”, she also told MPs.
“We are now working daily with the EU, Georgia, and others to see how our assistants can best support the work you are doing to fulfil the nine steps. I was so glad to see that the Prime Minister's first trip was to Brussels to meet with EU officials to discuss Georgia's candidacy”, Dunnigan added.
The diplomat also said representing President Biden and the United States in “this tremendous country” was “certainly one of the top honours” of her life.
Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on Wednesday accused Giorgi Kodua, the founder of Air Georgia, of “intentionally spreading false and biased information” on the Government having prevented the airline from launching direct flights to the United States.
The defence cooperation between Georgia and the United States was discussed on Monday in a meeting between the Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani and Daniel Lasika, the Director of Planning, Policy, Strategy and Capabilities of the US European Command.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday said the United States was a “strategic partner” of his Government, adding both countries were “keen” to deepen economic and other ties.
The strategic cooperation between Georgia and the United States and prospects for its strengthening were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Robin Dunnigan, the Ambassador of the US to the country.
Robin Dunnigan, the Ambassador of the United States to Georgia, on Wednesday told the Georgian Parliament strengthening economic ties between the countries was a “top priority”, and pledged “strong support” for Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor logistics route.
Massimiliano D'Antuono, the Italian Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said he was “optimistic” about the Georgian Government’s implementation of the recommendations outlined by the European Union for opening accession talks with the country.
Nikoloz Samkharadze, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Wednesday highlighted the support of the United States for Georgia by noting its support for the country “in various directions for 30 years”.