Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves voiced believe that the future of Georgia lies in Europe.

"This is why both Georgia itself and the European Union in general must take strides towards this," Hendrik Ilves said at a meeting with Georgian Parliamentary Speaker David Usupashvili on January 14, President's office reported.

The Estonian Head of State repeated the support of his country for a quick sign-off of the Free Trade and Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia, which was initialised at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius last year, and also to establish visa-free travel between the EU and Georgia.

"This is all about the development and expansion of democracy among the neighbors of the European Union," Hendrik Ilves emphasized. "This is a part of the path that Georgia should take to move closer to the European Union.'

He described the support of the Georgian population and political parties for euro integration, which is largest among the eastern neighbours of the EU, as positive.

Usupashvili said after meeting a concrete, detailed talk was held about what needs to be done in terms of integration into NATO.

"We also discussed how to avoid threats that the country may face this year. There can be certain provocations prior to signing the association agreement and the NATO summit, to be held in September. I hope that we will successfully cope with all the challenges," he added.