PM Opens EU Partnership Conference Hosted by Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi

A two-day international Parliamentary conference entitled ‘EU and Partners – Embracing Diversity for Stronger Unity’ opened in Tbilisi today, with representatives from 17 EU member countries, EU candidate member states and Eastern Partnership member countries participating. 

The conference, centered on the process of European integration, was opened by the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, and Chairman of Parliament of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze. 

“It’s a great honor for me to address the participants of this very important conference,” the PM said in his opening speech, as he thanked the European Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, UNDP and the Delegation of the European Union in Georgia for organizing the event “Today’s meeting is significant as it unites EU member states, EU candidate countries, representatives of European Parliament and Eastern Partnership member countries, together with renowned experts and civil society representatives in one place. This diversity brings a unique chance to share experiences and discuss cooperation possibilities, alongside ways of solving problems and challenges that the European Union faces today,” the PM noted. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the European project; the success of this unprecedented idea brought peace, success, stability and prosperity to the European continent, while neighboring states expressed their willingness to be a part of this joint effort. The fundamental principles of the European Union today are as timely as ever, especially for us, for partner countries of the European Union, for whom the integrity of the European Union is as important as for its member countries.” Kvirikashvili pointed out. 

“For all of us, our goal is to maintain unified, strong Europe which, if the appropriate conditions are there would be ready to open its doors for Georgia and other European countries. The power of transformation of European Union and its foreign policy based on values became the pillars of modernization of Georgia, an integral part of our internal and foreign policy with an aim to build democratic, developed, European state,” Prime Minister of Georgia said, also noting that implementing bilateral and multilateral cooperation formats are very important for European integration. Giorgi Kvirikashvili stressed that Georgia’s success was recognized at the recent Eastern Partnership Summit, where firm support towards Georgia’s European integration was declared. 

20 new goals were set for EU integration by 2020, together with Eastern Partnership countries. 

“Georgia values the new possibilities of further cooperation with our partners, and we will try to use this potential to strengthen democratic institutions in our country, improve governance; and through harmonizing with European Union’s legislative standards, ensure better living standards for our citizens” Giorgi Kvirikashvili stressed, underlining that successful implementation of the Association Agreement and DCFTA are top priorities of the Georgian government. The PM also spoke about Georgia’s participation in the EU’s peaceful missions, while he also spoke about the existing situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, where the rights of citizens have been massively violated. As Kvirikashvili said, Georgia, too, is facing hybrid threats and propaganda, and the only thing that can be opposed to that is the consolidation and better involvement of the international society. 

Giorgi Kvirikashvili pointed that planned transformation to the Parliamentary model in the country, and that close cooperation between both the Government and Parliament plays a vital role in the process of European integration. 

“Due to existing problems, we often forget the uniqueness of the European Union project, which remains the best example of regional integration and cooperation between the nations, which is why, despite internal or foreign challenges, Georgia firmly stands on the road to European integration. I hope that with discussions like the one held today, through sharing our experiences and with the involvement of legal and executive institutions, we’ll achieve the goal and create a stronger, peaceful, united Europe.” The PM said. 

By Nino Gugunishvili