German Foreign Minister says Georgia is leader of Eastern Partnership
By Messenger Staff
Thursday, September 22
Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier believes Georgia is the leader of the Eastern Partnership through its successful reforms and adhering to the demands of foreign regulations or organisations.
The German official told this to Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in New York, where both officials participated in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
The meeting was focused on bilateral cooperation in different areas and Georgia's path to the European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
Steinmeier stressed that Georgia is leading among the Eastern Partnership Countries of the European Union (EU) with its successful implementation and adherence to all the criteria envisaged in the Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP).
Georgia's parliamentary elections this October were also discussed.
Georgia’s PM said it was an intention and desire of the government to hold the elections in free and transparent manner by complying with international standards and best practices of democracy.
He said for this purpose, the largest ever number of international observers have been invited to Georgia.
Focus was also made on the further advancement and development of bilateral economic relations. The Prime Minister of Georgia pledged to support German investments in Georgia.
Georgia is waiting for visa-free travel in the EU’s passport free Schengen zone, since the country met all the demands raised by the EU.
However, earlier this year, when Georgia was on the verge of the visa waiver, Germany said it was against the motion.
The country named burglaries committed by Georgians in Germany as a reason for its position to postpone visa-free travel for Georgia.
However, now German officials say they are ready to support Georgia on its path to EU integration.
