The FINANCIAL — As part of his official visit to the Republic of Austria, Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze visited the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna where he held meetings with Werner Fasslabend, the President of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy and Hans Winkler, the Director of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. Following the meetings, Mikheil Janelidze delivered a speech titled: “European Integration of Georgia: achievements and challenges of the EU associated partner”.
In his speech Mikheil Janelidze spoke about the bilateral relations between Georgia and the Republic of Austria that have developed dynamically over the course of the last few years, emphasizing that the announced opening of the Austrian Embassy to Georgia in autumn will mark another milestone in friendship and close co-operation between the two nations, according to MFA of Georgia.
The Minister highlighted the activities of the Austrian Development Agency – an institution, which has carried out a list of projects in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, environment protection, culture and education.
Mikheil Janelidze spoke extensively about Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
“Georgia considers our integration into the EU and NATO to be key. It is the only way to ensure a sustainable development of the country. This is why our decision to come closer to the European family is the conscious choice of the Georgian people. We all understand that it is the best way to guarantee democracy, security, peace and prosperity in our country and in the region at large” – the Georgian Foreign Minister said.
The Minister focused on the importance of bringing the visa liberalization to its successful conclusion and highlighted Georgia’s progress in this process approved by the European Commission’s final report.
“We look forward to the EU`s final decision on lifting visa requirements for the citizens of Georgia. I have to underline very clearly that apart from delivering more benefits to the Georgian people, we truly believe that the EU also stands to benefit from bringing Georgia closer” – Mikheil Janelidze said.
The Minister also spoke about the difficult situation in Georgia’s occupied territories and the Russian Federation’s creeping occupation policy with respect to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.
Mikheil Janelidze expressed his gratitude to the government of the Austrian Republic for the support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and European aspirations and expressed the hope that Austria’s Chairmanship in the OSCE next year will open a new chapter in further cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting organised by the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy and the Embassy of Georgia to Austria was attended by representatives of the Austrian Government and various non-governmental organisations, as well as by experts and students.
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