Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili told the Global Gateway Forum on Wednesday that the country remains “resolute in its decision to join the European Union and its values” “despite the challenges facing Georgia.”
It is clear that Georgia’s path towards European integration and strengthening our global partnerships is one of unwavering commitment and resilience. […] Our commitment to a path of democracy, the rule of law and transparency remains resolute. Georgia, as a European nation and a natural global gateway, is ready to strengthen the EU and contribute to its better future,” Garibashvili said.
Speaking as keynote speaker at a working session, Garibashvili referred to his government’s “every step” aimed at transforming, modernizing and developing the country and bringing it “back into the European family where it belongs.” on the “remarkable” achievements of the ruling team, including the Association Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the visa-free regime with the EU.
The recognition of Georgia’s European perspective last June opened a new chapter in our relations with the EU. “Recent polls show that almost 90 percent of Georgians support EU membership,” the head of government stressed, emphasizing the “unwavering commitment” to implementing the twelve priorities set for EU candidate status.
“With perseverance, commitment and a well-crafted plan to realize our country’s civilizational destiny to join the EU family, we look forward to achieving candidate status,” he said.
Garibashvili noted that Georgia has made “strong progress” in implementing the EU recommendations through “a rigorous, inclusive and transparent implementation process,” adding that the Georgian people expect that the country’s performance and the current geopolitical context in the region would be “fairly assessed”.
In his comments to the media, the Prime Minister said that obtaining the status was “the merit of our government and the Georgian people,” noting the “positive momentum” regarding the EU candidacy.
