The FINANCIAL — The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, met on 9 February 2016 in Brussels with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. President Tusk congratulated Mr. Kvirikashvili with his appointment, adding that he is meeting the Georgian Prime Minister for the first time in this capacity. After the meeting, the two politicians made media appearance.
“The European Union and Georgia are true partners. As the Association Agreement enters fully into force, we will be able to cooperate even more comprehensively in implementing Georgia’s political association and economic integration with the EU,” stated President Tusk.
According to Mr. Tusk’s press statement, the two politicians talked about the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia and agreed that a free and pluralistic media environment, as well as an open and vibrant political environment, are prerequisites for the country’s success.
“Continued reforms of the judiciary, rule of law and human rights are important priorities and I underlined the EU’s readiness to assist. It is crucial that criminal investigations and prosecutions be evidence-based, transparent and impartial, in line with the commitments of the Association Agreement,” said President Tusk.
Visa-free travel for Georgian citizens was also discussed by the EU and Georgian politicians. The European Council President congratulated Georgia on the outstanding reforms undertaken in this process, according to EU Neighbourhood Info.
Mr. Tusk assured Mr. Kvirikashvili that the European Union will continue to give its firm support for the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. “I share Georgia’s concerns about the continued implementation of the so-called “treaties” between Russia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia. I saw for myself the situation at the administrative boundary line, including the “borderisation” process, during my last visit to Georgia,” he added.
According to news reports, the Georgian Prime Minister is also meeting the head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and the EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, as part of his trip to Brussels.
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