The President of Georgia held official meetings within the scope of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw during September 29-30.
The first bilateral meeting was held between the President of Georgia and his Azeri colleague. Mikheil Saakashvili and Ilham Alyev discussed the issue of deepening the political-economic relations between the two countries. The leaders also spoke about energy security and the future of the two countries in terms of gaining EU membership.
A meeting was also held with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy– Baroness Catherine Ashton. The sides discussed specific issues regarding the new step in terms of Georgia-EU relations. During the talks Mikheil Saakashvili and Catherine Ashton drew attention to the readiness of starting negotiations about the signing of the free trade agreement with the EU Member States. As Catherine Ashton noted, Georgia has achieved great progress in this direction. She even thanked Mikheil Saakashvili for implementing the crucial reforms. During the meeting the High Representative of the EU also stated, that the European Union firmly supports the territorial integrity of Georgia.
It was stressed during the meeting with the Prime Minister of Estonia – Andrus Ansip that the developed relationship between Georgia and the European Union is important not only for Georgia but for the EU as well. As Andrus Ansip noted, the negotiations regarding free trade with the EU have to start quickly because progress on this issue will be advantageous not only for Georgia but for the Member States of the European Union. Regarding the relations between Georgia and Estonia, the Prime Minister of Estonia stated that they have always been and will always be solid. He also noted, that Estonia is one of the strongest supporters of Georgia on its road towards the EU.
The meeting of Mikheil Saakashvili and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria was also held within the scope of the Eastern Partnership Summit. The sides drew attention to the necessity of deepening relations between the two countries. According to Boyko Borisov, the connection of Georgia and Bulgaria has to strengthen especially in the direction of business and tourism. The Prime Minister of Bulgaria noted that mutual visits will take place before the end of the year.