Georgian Foreign Minister Participates in EaP Ministerial

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani participated in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) ministerial in Luxemburg on October 15.

The participants talked about the Eastern Partnership, the progress achieved by the countries involved in the initiative, the future of the Eastern Partnership, the challenges in the region and ways to overcome them.

The implementation of the Association Agreement with Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, in particular, the introduction of a visa free regime with the European Union, the free trade agreement and the deepening of trade relations with the EU were also discussed at the meeting.

The speakers also focused on the progress of the associated countries and their future goals. The 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership was also underlined, which isto be marked next year.

In his speech, the Georgian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of the Eastern Partnership format and its future development plans.

Zalkaliani highlighted the significant progress achieved by Georgia and the tangible results that the country has achieved within the framework of the format. The Minister welcomed the EU initiative “20 results for 2020" for effective implementation. According to him, these goals are in full compliance with the Georgian government's Program.

"Georgia has tangible results in terms of an Association Agreement, as well as Deep and Free Trade and visa-free regime. It was said that Georgia is the leader of the EaP and we definitely deserve more,” he noted.

While talking about the Euro-Integration path of Georgia, the minister underlined that the ultimate goal of the country is EU membership, adding the ministry and the Georgian government are sparing efforts to reach this goal.

"Georgia has a highly ambitious plan, our ultimate goal is the EU membership and it is necessary to take more effective steps to reach this goal,” he added.

EaP is a joint initiative involving the EU, its member states and six Eastern Eurthe opean Partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Happening now: FM @DZalkaliani is participating in the Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting @EastPartnership #EaP #Luxembourg pic.twitter.com/mFUK4tyV8J

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) October 15, 2018

By Thea Morrison