The News in Brief
Friday, June 28, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Mark Rutte Expresses Hope for Georgia's Return to EU Path at European Council Summit
Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands and the next Secretary General of NATO, expressed his concerns and hopes regarding Georgia's path to the European Union during a media briefing at the European Council summit in Brussels.
Rutte highlighted his worries over recent developments in Georgia that may affect its EU aspirations. "I am worried about Georgia's path to the European Union because of the recent decisions. I spoke briefly with the president [of Georgia], I think she is a great leader, but she failed, the veto was overridden by the parliament, unfortunately," said Rutte.
Despite these concerns, Rutte remains hopeful about Georgia's future within the European Union. "We, of course, are waiting for Georgia and we hope that Georgia will return to the road to the European Union," he added.
When questioned about NATO, Rutte, who will assume the role of Secretary General in October, refrained from commenting extensively but expressed pride in his election to the position.
Addressing expectations from the European Union towards Georgia, Rutte emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the Georgian government. "First of all, we should expect from Georgia, from the government, now it depends on you," he stated.
When asked about the potential for sanctions, Rutte was cautious but reiterated his hope for Georgia's alignment with EU values. "We'll see, we'll see, but we certainly hope that you, Georgia, will return [to the EU path]," he concluded.
Shalva Papuashvili Meets with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Discuss Strategic Partnership
Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, to discuss the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions emphasized the robust and friendly ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan, confirming both parties' commitment to further developing their strategic partnership. Key topics included bilateral and multilateral relations, the importance of the Middle Corridor for the transportation of energy resources, and significant transport and energy projects, such as the Black Sea submarine cable project.
The meeting also underscored the importance of regional peace, with a focus on the ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding a peace agreement. Papuashvili reiterated Georgia's readiness to support regional stability and peace through parliamentary diplomacy.
Both sides expressed a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and addressing common challenges to ensure continued development and prosperity for both nations.
Mark Rutte Expresses Hope for Georgia's Return to EU Path at European Council Summit
Rutte highlighted his worries over recent developments in Georgia that may affect its EU aspirations. "I am worried about Georgia's path to the European Union because of the recent decisions. I spoke briefly with the president [of Georgia], I think she is a great leader, but she failed, the veto was overridden by the parliament, unfortunately," said Rutte.
Despite these concerns, Rutte remains hopeful about Georgia's future within the European Union. "We, of course, are waiting for Georgia and we hope that Georgia will return to the road to the European Union," he added.
When questioned about NATO, Rutte, who will assume the role of Secretary General in October, refrained from commenting extensively but expressed pride in his election to the position.
Addressing expectations from the European Union towards Georgia, Rutte emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the Georgian government. "First of all, we should expect from Georgia, from the government, now it depends on you," he stated.
When asked about the potential for sanctions, Rutte was cautious but reiterated his hope for Georgia's alignment with EU values. "We'll see, we'll see, but we certainly hope that you, Georgia, will return [to the EU path]," he concluded.
Shalva Papuashvili Meets with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Discuss Strategic Partnership
The discussions emphasized the robust and friendly ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan, confirming both parties' commitment to further developing their strategic partnership. Key topics included bilateral and multilateral relations, the importance of the Middle Corridor for the transportation of energy resources, and significant transport and energy projects, such as the Black Sea submarine cable project.
The meeting also underscored the importance of regional peace, with a focus on the ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding a peace agreement. Papuashvili reiterated Georgia's readiness to support regional stability and peace through parliamentary diplomacy.
Both sides expressed a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and addressing common challenges to ensure continued development and prosperity for both nations.