German FM says EU-Georgia visa-free travel a step ahead
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier started his two-day visit to Georgia on December 8.
Steinmeier held his first meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili, discussing bilateral relations, Georgia’s European perspective, Russia’s aggressive actions in breakaway regions, as well as possible ways to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.
He pledged to actively support Georgia’s European inspiration, as the country’s government productively walking towards Europe.
Steinmeier said the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union was a very voluminous document, which included modernization and reformation of Georgia.
"Germany is trying to carry out these processes along with Georgia. The AA is not the only document the Georgians are going to benefit,” he added.
Steinmeier noted that the visa liberalization process is underway and just a step is left until the start of the visa-free travel between the EU and Georgia.
Beruchashvili, for her turn, thanked Steinmeier for Germany’s role in developing the human capital of Georgia by letting more than 2,800 Georgian students study in German universities. The sides announced 2017 as a year of friendship between Germany and Georgia.
The diplomats also inked an agreement envisaging the allocation of a piece of land in Georgia's territory to the construction of the German International School.
Georgia's NATO integration
Steinmeier said the German government unconditionally supported the decision made at the Bucharest Summit, which provided a basis to help Georgia prepare for membership, adding that the Wales Summit was a continuation of this process.
"Germany was the initiator of the NATO-proposed Substantial Package for Georgia. I think, everything goes logically from the political point of view,” he noted.
Steinmeir also expressed his satisfaction with Georgia’s successful participation in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and its readiness to take part in post-ISAF activities.
Breakaway regions
Steinmeir said Germany did not recognize the so called treaty on "Alliance and Strategic Partnership" between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region.
"We have repeatedly said that Germany supports Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and I confirm this once again. I do not recognize this agreement,” he added.
Beruchashvili expressed her hope that Germany will back Georgia to mobilize the international community regarding that alarming treaty.
"Our concern is increasing, while Moscow is planning to sign the same so-called treaty with the Tskhinvali puppet regime, as well,” Beruchashvili said.
Ukraine crisis
Steinmeier said Germany was trying to contribute to Ukraine crisis settlement, which poses huge threats also to Georgia.
He believes that a demarcation line is needed to be set up in Ukraine, where heavy machinery and soldiers will be forced to withdraw. "I think we should manage to do this. Probably, a buffer zone will be created there,” he said.
Steinmeier's agenda includes meetings with Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. His will leave Georgia on December 9.