Georgia's rulers address EU ahead of Riga Summit
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
Georgia's three top officials have voiced their expectations in view of the results of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit.
President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili addressed the European Union top officials with a joint statement that expressed their hope that Georgia will gain a visa-free regime with the EU at the EaP Summit to be held in Riga on May 21-22.
"We write to bring to your attention the expectations of the Georgian leaders and people from the Riga Summit and appeal for your support and solidarity with those countries which have made the sovereign choice to pursue the vision of European integration. We hope that the European perspective of Georgia will be acknowledged, and, most importantly, that substantial progress will be made with regard to visa liberalization," the statement read.
In the letter, the top Georgian rulers underlined the importance of visa liberalization and the vitality of visa-free regime with the EU for Georgia.
"Granting visa free travel to Georgian citizens would mean more tourism, cultural and student exchanges and civil society partnerships. This will help develop Georgia and anchor future generations firmly within the European family of nations," top officials said.
"With the technical requirements completed, it is our clear hope that the final declaration of the Riga Summit will contain an unambiguous endorsement of a visa-free regime with Georgia."
The Georgian trio also reminded the EU side of the internal reforms Georgia had implemented in the past years, and the support the EU showed Georgia during this process.
Georgia's rulers promised full commitment to maintaining the momentum of internal reforms pursuing its Association agenda with the EU.
- - -
Follow Mushvig Mehdiyev on Twitter: @Mushviggo
Follow us on Twitter: @Azernews