FM Zalkaliani: Lietuva is Georgia's very close ally
By Tea Mariamidze
Tuesday, September 10
Georgian Foreign Minister, David Zalkaliani says Lietuva is Georgia’s one of the closest allies. The FM made the statement at the joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Linas Linkevicius in Tbilisi, on September 9.
“Lietuva is Georgia's closest ally and special supporter of the country's Euro-Atlantic integration,” Zalkaliani said, adding the two sides discussed bilateral relations in various fields. He expressed hope that Georgia-Lithuania cooperation would be successful in the future as well.
The minister noted that the number of tourists from Lithuania is increasing in Georgia, which is facilitated by direct flights.
“At the meeting, it was noted that Georgia is a leading country among the Eastern European partner countries and we have tangible results in this regard. We are successfully implementing our roadmap and association agenda,” he said.
Zalkaliani said he is convinced that the support from the Lithuanian friends will accelerate European integration and Georgia will have the opportunity to take more concrete steps towards the ultimate goal of joining the EU.
He noted that the sides also discussed the recent developments in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions.
“The process of illegal borderisation in Tskhinvali is unacceptable. In this regard, we are grateful to our Lithuanian partners, especially the Minister, who is one of the first of our European and other Western partners to respond directly to this process and to express his clear negative attitude towards the illegal borderisation," he stressed.
According to him, the format of the Geneva International Talks was also discussed at the meeting. The minister believes it is necessary to use all existing formats for the country to put Georgia in the leading positions on the international agenda.
Linas Linkevicius also delivered a speech at the press conference. According to him, the so-called elections and borderisation on the occupied territories are unacceptable and should be condemned.
“We will always be by your side when needed, not only during celebrations but also in difficulties. We support the values that are important not only for Georgia but for us as well - territorial integrity and sovereignty. Application of military rules is unacceptable. What is happening in Georgia and Ukraine should be seen seriously,” he said.
According to the Lithuanian minister, after the measures taken by the country in the direction of democracy, Georgia should achieve live democracy in the country.
“We support Georgia's European integration. We have always stated that Georgia is a leader and we should expand what we do. In the context of NATO, Georgia acts as a NATO member, deploys its armed forces and shares the risks,” he added.
