Georgian Prime Minister Meets With European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, June 15, 2023
During his official visit to Brussels, Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, held a meeting with Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement.
According to the Georgian government's press office, during the meeting, Prime Minister Gharibashvili presented Olivér Várhelyi with comprehensive information regarding the favorable progress made by Georgia in fulfilling the 12 priorities outlined by the European Commission. Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the state's dedicated efforts in fully implementing the recommendations put forth by the European Union.
"Irakli Gharibashvili drew attention to the historic decision of recognizing the country's European perspective and emphasized the strategic importance of granting Georgia the status of a candidate country by the end of the year.
During the meeting, there was a particular emphasis placed on connectivity initiatives within the Black Sea region and the opportunities for deepening transport, energy, and infrastructural connections between Georgia and the European Union in this regard.
The parties also discussed the security situation in the region. As the Prime Minister noted, Georgia is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region," states the official information.
After the meeting with European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili took to Twitter to express his hopes for Georgia's future.
Irakli Gharibashvili thanked Olivér Várhelyi for his position supporting Georgia's European aspirations.
"Had a productive discussion with Oliver Varhelyi in Brussels. Discussed progress Georgia has made in addressing 12 priorities. We appreciate the Commissioner's stance in support of Georgia's European aspirations. We hope EU candidate status will be granted to Georgia this year," Gharibashvili wrote.
