Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili Meets Charles Michel in Brussels
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Irakli Gharibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in Brussels. The focus of the discussion, as stated by the Georgian government administration's press service, was Georgia's journey towards joining the European Union. They further mentioned that the participants deliberated on Georgia's advancements in fulfilling the European Commission's 12 priorities.
"The leaders acknowledged that the recognition of the country's European perspective is a historic decision and emphasized the critical importance of granting candidate status to Georgia by the end of the year, which would contribute to ending polarization within the country. During the conversation, special attention was given to the security environment in the region and the challenging security and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. The significant role of Georgia in ensuring peace and stability in the region was emphasized.
In the current situation, the Prime Minister emphasized the EU's involvement in the region, focusing on promoting peace, security, and deepening transport, energy, and infrastructural connections between Georgia and the EU within the Black Sea region. The information further stated that Irakli Gharibashvili expressed gratitude to Charles Michel for his personal efforts in supporting Georgia's EU accession process and endorsing Georgia's European perspective." the statement reads.
According to Gharibashvili's statement during his meeting with President Charles Michel of the European Council, they discussed Georgia's desire to join Europe. Gharibashvili expressed his gratitude on his Twitter page, thanking Michel for his personal support towards Georgia's European aspirations.
"I am delighted to meet with the President of the European Council. Outlined that Georgia's European quest is firm as ever & we hope that the European Council will make another historic decision this year granting EU candidate status to Georgia. Want to thank President Michel for his personal support to Georgia's European future," wrote Gharibashvili.
After the meeting with Prime Minister Gharibashvili, Charles Michel also took to Twitter to express his thoughts on Georgia's future. He emphasized the chance for Georgia to shape a new trajectory for generations based on its historical European perspective.
"Welcome back to Brussels, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili.With the historic European perspective, you have the opportunity to chart a new trajectory for Georgia for generations.
Systemic reforms, inclusiveness and transparency are now needed more than ever. For the people of Georgia," Michel wrote.
