Junker: I Welcome Georgia's New President

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, said he welcomes the new president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, and believes that her visit to Brussels underlines that Georgia wants to bring itself closer to Europe.

“Our relationship with Georgia is developing, especially in the economic sphere. Georgian export to the EU is increasing,” he said during his meeting with Zurabishvili, who is on her first official visit to Belgium.

Junker noted that during the meeting, the sides discussed Georgia-EU relations and the recent developments in the country.

“When necessary, we will always underline our support towards Georgia’s territorial integrity,” he added.

The President of the European Commission also noted that the student program Erasmus + will be expanded, which will help more Georgian students study in the EU.

President Zurabishvili thanked Juncker for his warm welcome in the frames of the visit and invited him to participate in the 10th anniversary event of the Eastern Partnership in Batumi.

The President noted that Georgia’s priority is integration with the EU, where it belongs by culture and identity.

“I want to thank you and your team for your continued support towards my country and its European perspectives,” Zurabishvili told Junker.

Zurabishvili started her official visit to Brussels on January 21.

By Thea Morrison