The essential role of the European Parliament in the process of European integration, the democratic development of Georgia and the situation in the occupied regions were the main topics discussed at today’s meeting between the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli in Brussels.
It was noted that Georgia is the main partner of the European Union in the region. The Prime Minister noted that the country appreciates the crucial involvement of the European Parliament and EU institutions in the implementation of the Association Agreement.
The sides discussed the current political processes in Georgia. The Prime Minister once again thanked the EU for its efforts to manage and de-escalate the ongoing processes in the country in a constructive manner. It was underlined that the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR EOM assessed the parliamentary elections in Georgia as competitive and stated that, in general, fundamental freedoms were protected.
The conversation focused on the progress made by Georgia on the path of European integration. The Prime Minister noted that the European integration of the country is the unshakable will of the Georgian people and in 2024 it is planned to make an official application for full membership in the European Union.
Attention was paid to the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit, which should be focused on achieving practical results and further strengthening relations between the EU and partner countries.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the difficult situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, both in terms of humanitarian issues and security. The Prime Minister noted that de-occupation and the peaceful settlement of the conflict remain a priority of the Georgian government and that the support of partners in this process has a special role.
During the meeting with Irakli Garibashvili, David Sassoli reaffirmed the European Parliament’s strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration and democratic development.
