Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has stressed the "special role" of the European Union in the security and stability of Georgia after a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

According to the prime minister's press service, he and Ashton discussed topical issues of interest for both Georgia and the EU.

"This is particularly evident in the EU support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders," Ivanishvili said.

Ivanishvili also thanked the EU for its active participation in the Geneva process.

"This is reflected in the actions of the Special Representative of the EU on crisis issues in the South Caucasus," he said.

The Georgian PM thanked the EU for its policy of non-recognition of the separatist regions of Georgia.

At the meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on Monday, Ashton cited the need of following the law and the rule of law, the Georgian president's press service reports.

Ashton expressed satisfaction with the democratic parliamentary elections held in Georgia and the peaceful transfer of power.

However, she noted that the EU pays particular attention to constructive cooperation of President Saakashvili and Prime Minister Ivanishvili.

Saakashvili and Ashton also discussed relations between Georgia and the EU. Ashton expressed hope that the foreign policy of Georgia will not change and its integration into European institutions will continue.

She pointed to the need to bring to a logical conclusion the negotiations on comprehensive free trade and an agreement on associated membership.