Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

The Foreign Ministers of the Benelux countries met with Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili on September 6.

The delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders, Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans and Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn.

The same day the ministers of the Benelux countries had a meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze.

Panjikidze thanked the guests for the support of Georgia's territorial integrity and its integration to the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. According to the Georgian Foreign Minister, it is the first time that the Benelux countries visit Georgia in this format.

"During the meeting we discussed bilateral relations, political situation in the country and current processes, as well as the upcoming presidential elections and the preparations for the Vilnius summit," Panjikidze said.

Reynders called the presidential elections of 2013 and the local elections of 2014 as an important event for Georgia. He emphasized that Belgium supports Georgia's democratic development.

"We understand the importance of signing an agreement on association and free trade with the EU, which will be held at the Vilnius summit," Reynders said. "Regarding relations with Russia, we know what war is. If there is a conflict, our strategy is their solution by the diplomatic means and we are here to support Georgia."

In turn, Frans Timmermans said that the Netherlands will assist Georgia in economic development and creating new jobs.

"Georgia is committed to closer relations with the European Union and we want to be your partners in this process," he said.

Furthermore, Benelux delegation met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

According to the Georgian presidential administration, the sides discussed a wide range of issues including prospects for intensifying trade and economic cooperation and the development of bilateral relations between the countries.

Special attention was paid to Georgia's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic organizations, as well as the Eastern Partnership summit to be held in Vilnius in November.

Members of the delegation emphasized that it is necessary to continue the democratic reforms in Georgia. One of the main topics of talks was the upcoming presidential election to be held in October, 2013.