Georgian Prime Minister: Georgia a Natural Hub Connecting East & West
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili underlined that Georgia is a hub connecting East and West and that it plays an important role in the latest regional developments.
The PM made the statement at a special event dedicated to Georgia, held within framework of the 54th Munich Security Conference.
Kvirikashvili highlighted that Georgia is actively promoting strategic East-West initiatives, including the Southern Corridor and the New Silk Road.
“Our government launched ambitious infrastructural projects to facilitate East-West trade through road, waterways and rail. We opened the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway in October 2017, connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, and construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is underway, paving the way for future investments and prosperity in the region,” he stated.
He also stressed that the efficient implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU, together with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), remains a top priority of the Georgian government.
“The EU’s transformative power and the European choice and determination of our people have made Georgia a regional leader in building a stable European democracy,” the Prime Minister underscored.
In his speech, Kvirikashvili also spoke about the benefits of visa-free travel with the EU, adding it facilitates professional exchanges between businessmen, scholars, students, and ordinary Georgian citizens.
“It brings the possibility for Georgians to come to Europe and see Europe’s achievements first-hand – prosperity, respect for the rule of law and a people-friendly environment: the world that Georgia strives to join,” he added.
Before attending the event, Kvirikashvili met the representatives of large international and German companies and introduced them to Georgia's investment opportunities, the country's favorable business environment, and implemented reforms.
The meeting participants spoke about Georgia's prospects of transforming itself into a regional hub and about large ongoing investment projects with the international business community.
Kvirikashvili highlighted that Georgia is the first country in the region to enjoy Free Trade Agreements with the EU, the European Free Trade Association, CIS and neighboring countries, and China, and is also negotiating a similar agreement with India.
The PM invited the heads of German and international companies to Georgia to learn more about the business and investment opportunities in the country.
Within the frames of the conference, Kvirikashvili also met European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Johannes Hahn, and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.
Special attention was paid to Georgia’s investment and tourism potential, and the growing interest of Dutch investors and tourists in Georgia.
At the meeting with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, the sides discussed regional security, Russia's aggressive actions in Georgia's occupied territories, and the grievous human rights situation on the ground.
The parties discussed Georgia's integration into NATO and the upcoming NATO Summit. The US’ unwavering stance on Georgia's NATO membership was emphasized, along with America's support of Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
“The United States of America remains a firm supporter of Georgia in the process of enhancing the country's defense capacity and working towards its European and Euro-Atlantic integration,” Mattis stated during the meeting.
Moreover, at the meeting of Kvirikashvili and Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger, it was agreed that next year Georgia will host a variety of events co-organized by the Munich Security Conference.
The 54th Munich Security Conference started on February 16 and lasted until February 19. The Georgian delegation was headed by the Prime Minister at a conference which brought together heads of states from more than 30 countries and more than 100 ministers worldwide.
Thea Morrison