The FINANCIAL — The President of Georgia, H.E. Giorgi Margvelashvili and the President of the European Council, Mr. Donald Tusk have discussed Georgia’s European future, prospects of sectoral cooperation and security challenges.
At the meeting held in Brussels, President Margvelashvili has underscored Donald Tusk’s personal contribution to the development of the EU-Georgia relations, according to the Administration of the President of Georgia.
The meeting focused on the progress of the EU-Georgia relations that has been demonstrated in significant achievements such as putting into force the Association Agreement, implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement with the EU, Georgia’s integration into the Energy Union and adoption of the visa free regime that brings the most tangible benefits to the Georgian population.
The conversation touched upon the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement that includes reforms in strengthening democratic institutions.
President Margvelashvili has highlighted Georgia’s EU aspiration. He has drawn attention to the security issues, situation in the occupied territories of Georgia and Russian aggressive politics. He has briefed Donald Tusk on the abduction and tragic death of Archil Tatunashvili in the occupied Tskhinvali.
According to President Margvelashvili, it is alarming that the occupation regime does not allow transportation of Tatunashvili’s body to Georgia. Levan Kutashvili and Ioseb Pavliashvili, Georgian citizens who have been illegally detained together with Tatunashvili are still restricted to leave the occupied territory.
At the same time, President Margvelashvili has thanked Donald Tusk for giving immediate reaction and making sharp statements on Archil Tatunashvili’s case.
Russia’s provocative actions in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region have also been underlined. According to President Margvelashvili, the recent tragedy once again confirms the necessity of active operation of international mechanisms in the occupied regions.
As noted, Georgia is committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and awaits tangible results from Geneva International Discussions. It was emphasized that the Russian-Georgian conflict should be raised more actively on the international agenda and the EU-Russia dialogue format. Donald Tusk has reaffirmed his support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in internationally recognized borders.
President Margvelashvili has also informed Donald Tusk on the actions taken by the Georgian authorities to avoid violations of visa free travel conditions.
As stated, the Georgian party reacts immediately to each and every violation of the visa free regime conditions and remains in a close cooperation with relevant EU member states. Legislative and practical measures will be taken to reduce the number of Georgian asylum seekers in foreign countries. The Georgian party is already negotiating with the EU member states on placing Georgia in the list of safe countries.
President Margvelashvili has invited Donald Tusk to Georgia to take part in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the First Georgian Republic on May 26.
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