President Zourabichvili Meets with EU Neighborhood Director-General Gert Jan Koopman
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 2, 2024
President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, met with Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of EU Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, during his official visit to Georgia at the Orbeliani Palace.
Zourabichvili discussed the country's situation with Gert Jan Koopman and emphasized that the visit is occurring at a critically important time for Georgia's European integration.
The President of Georgia stated that obtaining candidate status last year brought great hope and motivation to the Georgian people, who are currently safeguarding Georgia's European future and require the support of European partners and friends amid these challenging circumstances. According to Zourabichvili, It is evident that Russia is employing all means to impede Georgia's progress towards Europe.
Gert Jan Koopman expressed deep concern on behalf of the European Union regarding the ongoing events in Georgia and the actions of the government.
The Director-General highlighted that the adoption of the law "On transparency of foreign influence" poses a significant threat to Georgia's European integration and will undoubtedly hinder this process.
He emphasized that in June, the European Union will discuss a new stage of expansion, underscoring the critical importance of the Georgian government's constructive approach to avoid jeopardizing the country's European integration process.
President Zourabichvili underscored the crucial significance of the upcoming October elections and the active involvement of youth and the diaspora in these elections. She emphasized the importance of conducting the elections in a stable and peaceful environment, allowing the Georgian people to once again choose Georgia's European future.
The discussion at the meeting covered the ongoing war in Ukraine, the regional situation, and the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia.
The President of Georgia stated that the Georgian people are united in their commitment to European integration and urged partners to continue strong support for Georgia's journey towards Europe.
