Zurabishvili, Frank-Walter Steinmeier Discuss Georgia-Germany Bilateral Relations
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili had a meeting with her German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin.
During the face-to-face meeting, the sides discussed Georgia-Germany bilateral relations and Georgia’s European aspirations. The special role of Germany, being the EU leader country whose attitude toward Georgia is crucial, was highlighted in Georgia’s EU integration process.
Zurabishvili underlined that it is extremely important for Georgia to have a loyal friend such as Germany in the heart of Europe. She added that Germany and France are those countries that will support Georgia to become a full-fledged member of the European family.
She expressed hope that after her visit to Germany, Georgia-Germany relations will be further advanced.
During a special press-conference, Zurabishvili thanked her colleague for the political support that Germany has shown Georgia over the years.
“Bilateral economic and cultural relations with Germany are of key importance. By promoting the Georgian culture, we want Georgia to join the European culture and the whole of Europe to see that Georgia belongs to the European family and that our path towards Europe should develop in this direction. To achieve this goal, we have hope in Germany,” she said.
The Georgian President also thanked Germany for the economic ties and support.
“Since the very first day, Germany has been the second largest donor in terms of financial aid for Georgia. This financial support continues to date. We hope that our economic ties will be further strengthened – more German companies will penetrate the Georgian market, more investments will be made. Our goal is not merely attracting investments, but strengthening cooperation and connections,” she said.
Zurabishvili also noted that the role of Germany in Georgia’s relations with Russia is very important.
“The Georgian government continues promoting the non-recognition policy of Georgia’s occupied territories that is also supported by our friend Germany. We hope that it will be possible to solve this issue in a new, more advanced political framework. We are trying to renew contact and improve relations with the population living on the occupied territories in order to move the frozen situation into a different phase. Germany’s role in Russia-Georgia relations is crucial,” she stressed.
In his address, Steinmeier highlighted that Georgia and Germany, aside from economic and cultural ties, also share bilateral political relations. The German President added that considering Georgia’s ambitious aspirations toward the European Union, closer ties with the EU structures and participation in infrastructural projects could bring benefits for the country.
He expressed hope that the environment will be stabilized and political actors, in accordance with a democratic process, will cooperate, enabling the country to carry out the planned reforms.
Steinmeier noted that Georgia is now an exemplary country in terms of economic reforms through which the country has demonstrated “impressive progress”.
After meeting the German President, Zurabishvili also met with Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Georgia-Russia relations, adding the friendly states of Georgia should influence Russia and make it change its positions.
Zurabishvili arrived in Germany after completing her official visit to France on February 17-19.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: President’s Administration