Georgian PM: Relations with EU at All Time High
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze says that the country’s relations with the European Union have never been so advanced, adding that Georgia is successfully implementing its responsibilities to the EU.
The PM said important reforms have been carried out in the country in terms of both legislative and institutional alignment, which is a mandatory precondition for the country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
“I believe that we have sufficient resources to fulfill a part of our obligations ahead of schedule," he noted.
Bakhtadze made the comment at the joint meeting of the Government Commission on EU Integration and the State Commission on NATO Integration.
The information about the 5th Meeting of the Georgia-EU Association Council, scheduled for March 5 in Brussels, was provided to the meeting participants where the Georgian side will present the EU Integration Roadmap.
“In Brussels, together with the EU side, we will summarize our progress toward European integration and present the EU Integration Roadmap, a very important document enabling us to consolidate our progress under European integration and to take further steps beyond the Association Agreement, toward deeper and more comprehensive integration, including sectoral integration,” he explained.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the visa-free travel with the EU, obtained by the country in March 2018.
“Ensuring a flawless visa-waiver process is one of our government's top priorities because, besides practical benefits, visa-free travel also carries political weight,” he said.
The joint meeting of the commissions approved Georgia's Annual National Program, one of the crucial NATO membership mechanisms. According to Bakhtadze, Georgia is a special and reliable partner to NATO, as evidenced by the strong messages made at the recent Munich Security Conference.
“This year, we are hosting NATO's Secretary General, Military Committee, and North Atlantic Council, which is a great honor and, at the same time, responsibility. Still, all this reiterates that Georgia-NATO relations have advances to a new level," he added.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: PM’s Press Office