Georgian, Estonian Presidents Meet in Tallinn

After paying an official visit to Latvia, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, where she was welcomed by her counterpart, Kersti Kaljulaid.

The presidents discussed issues pertinent to bilateral cooperation, along with the situation in and around Georgia and the country’s EU and NATO integration. 

Zurabishvili noted the close friendly and long-lasting relations between the two countries and thanked Kaljulaid for the hospitality.

At the joint press conference of the presidents, Zurabishvili noted that despite the Russian occupation of Georgia’s territories, the country's Euro-Atlantic path is irreversible and will lead Georgia back to its European family.

“Despite the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia, our country's economy and democracy are still developing. If Russia's goal was to block this road, this goal has not been achieved. This is our and common victory, along with all the countries that have supported us and are still with us today,” she said, thanking Estonia for supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zurabishvili also underlined the need to increase “physical” connections between the two countries.

“We also have to continue to make Georgia ever closer to the European Union physically; the Black Sea has to become again a sea of connectivity, transport, and closeness between peoples, a place where safety and cooperation will be enhanced,” she added.

The Estonian President said the relations between Georgia and Estonia are very good, adding that her country stands firmly beside with Georgia.

“Georgia belongs there, Georgia deserves it, and Georgia needs to be involved in the EU enlargement debates. I am sure that sooner or later this will happen, if you continue developing your country both economically and also as a rule of law state,” President Kaljulaid said.

During her official visit to Tallinn, Zurabishvili also met representatives of the Georgian Diaspora and students.

Our #diaspora represents Georgia all around the world. Great to meet with the representatives of the Georgian diaspora in #Tallinn. pic.twitter.com/5V8YU2s7us

— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) May 16, 2019

By Thea Morrison