Azernews.Az

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

Georgia and the European Union act as one entity in their relations at a qualitatively new level, said the Georgian prime minister.

"This process involves deeper cooperation in the fields of politics, social affairs, culture, education, science, security, and others," Irakli Garibashvili said in a joint press-conference with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Johannes Hahn, on January 15.

Garibashvili noted that the effective implementation of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area is one of the top priorities of the Georgian Government.

"During the past four months we tried to implement the agreement. As a result we have made initial results. It is especially exciting that our trade ties are enhancing with the EU in a number of directions, including the growing export of Georgian wine and mineral waters," he said.

He also noted that the Georgian government is making an all-out effort ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga to be an example of success as a reliable partner of the EU.

Moreover, Garibashvili voiced the importance of the successful completion of all technical works stipulated in the Visa Liberalization Action Plan before the Riga Summit, expressing hope that the European Commission will uphold visa-free arrangements with Georgia.

Johannes Hahn, for his turn, said the EU was willing to assist Georgia in its continuing reforms and work to strengthen its economy.

"I am excited to be in Georgia and to have an opportunity to meet with the prime minister and cabinet members. I am here not only to discuss the issues related to the implementation of the AA, including the DCFTA, but also to hear Georgia's view on the Eastern Partnership Neighborhood Policy ahead of the Riga Summit," Hahn noted.

The European Commissioner discussed the importance of developing small and medium businesses as one of the main prerequisites to strengthen the economy.

"The Georgian business should benefit from the EU regional initiatives. Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the country's economy, as they provide significant opportunities for creating new workplaces. Stronger economy is vital for promoting the welfare of citizens," Hahn said.

Meanwhile, Garibashvili and Hahn signed a document, under which the EU will give Georgia a grant in amount of 44.5 million euros in near future.

The EU official is on a three-day visit to Georgia to hold talks over EU-Georgia relations, political and social, and economic reforms in the country. Challenges facing the regional security and the importance of the EU role in this regard are also high on the agenda.