2014-06-27
On June 27 Georgia and the EU signed the association agreement including deep and comprehensive free trade area. From the side of Georgia the document was signed by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, and from the side of the EU - by the president of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and the president of EU council Herman Van Rompuy. The agreement was also signed by the heads of 28 EU member states.
The prime minister visited the kingdom of Belgium with the ministry of foreign affairs Maia Panjikidze, state minister in European and Euro Atlantic integration Aleksi Petriashvili, the minister of economic and sustainable development Giorgi kvirikashvili and minister of justice Tea Tsulukiani and deputy chief of government administration Nino Kobakhidze.
During his speech at the ceremonial of signing the association the prime minister called the day of signing the association agreement historical day and noted that Georgia is ready to be the guarantee of peace and cooperation in the region.
"I would like to share my emotions on my native language. Today Georgia is making a great step toward free Europe! I would like to congratulate the whole Georgia on this day! Today a new great date is being written down in the history of my homeland that creates hope in us and our descendents will be proud of it. Many generations sacrificed their thoughts and care to this day. My country has been waiting for this day for a long time. I am happy that our generation has the honor to realize our ancestors' dream," -Irakli Garibashvili stated.
During his speech the head of the government of Georgia addressed Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and suggested them the opportunity to be closer to Europe. "My compatriots, we are all the children of one country! From now you participate in this process with us! You are given a unique opportunity to take advantage of all those privileges that is brought with being closer to Europe," - Prime Minister noted.
He also emphasized a new stage in cooperation between Georgia and EU and stated that with the association agreement Georgia is taking the responsibility to gradually introduce European political, economic, social and legal standards in the country.
Prime Minister's Press Service