Georgian delegation arrives in Brussels to participate in EU-Georgia Association Council meeting
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, March 16
Georgian delegation led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, along with the EU ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell left for Brussels on Monday to participate in the sixth session of the EU-Georgia Association Council. The Georgian delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, and Justice Minister Gocha Lortkipanidze.
The session will focus on regional, Georgian political and economic issues, as well as the ongoing, EU-mediated talks between the ruling GD party and the opposition on the issues of repeat parliamentary elections and the release of opposition leader Nika Melia and the co-founder of Mtavari Arkhi TV channel Giorgi Rurua.
According to the press service of the government, during their stay, the Georgian delegation will hold high-level meetings in the European Commission, European Council, European Parliament, and NATO.
Gharibashvili started his official visit to Brussels by meeting with the European Council President Charles Michel.
Following the meeting with Michel, Gharibashvili met with the Prime Minister of Belgium. At the meeting, the successful bilateral cooperation between Georgia and Belgium, as well as the progress achieved by Georgia on the path of European integration was stressed. The parties underlined the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties with each other and expanding cooperation between businesses. The bilateral relations in the field of human rights and justice were also discussed. Belgian Prime Minister reaffirmed the strong support of the Kingdom of Belgium for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On March 16, following the session of the EU-Georgia Association Council, Georgian PM, European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, and EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhei will hold a joint press conference.
The Georgian delegation will hold high-rank meetings in the European Parliament and NATO on March 17. Georgian PM will be hosted by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters. After the meeting, the officials will hold a joint press conference. A Meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission is also scheduled.
