Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Georgian Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili signed several documents required for visa liberalization with the European Union at a meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland during his official visit to Strasbourg that started on Monday.

According to the ministry`s website, these include documents on combat against money laundering; investigation of cases related to income received through criminal activity; a convention on fighting the financing of terrorism; as well as additional protocols to the convention on fighting corruption and to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The Georgian side was obliged to sign these documents in accordance with the Action Plan on visa liberalization with the EU.

Furthermore, at the end of the meeting CoE Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni signed a document with Minister Gharibashvili on a joint plan of action in the field of healthcare with regards to the situation in Georgian penitentiary institutions.

Battaini-Dragoni stressed that the CoE hails the deepening of partnership with Georgia. According to the CoE official, this partnership will be documented, and recommendations will be developed on human rights, the rule of law and strengthening democracy in Georgia. Relevant documents will be ready within two weeks, Battaini-Dragoni added.

Gharibashvili also held meetings with the CoE ambassadors from fellow countries and presented to them the vision of the development strategy of Georgia's new government.