Salome Zurabishvili met with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell in Brussels

By Natalia Kochiashvili

Friday, January 22

The High Representative welcomed the considerable progress made by Georgia in implementing commitments made under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and its continued contribution to the EaP.

The President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili met on January 21 in Brussels with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

Borrell stressed the importance of Georgian political parties finding common ground in the current political situation. It was noted at the meeting that Georgia needs a fully functioning representative parliament that will have the confidence of the population. They talked about the inclusive, green and sustainable recovery process necessary to overcome the problems caused by COVID-19. Also, according to the EU, Georgia should implement a broader reform agenda, including in the judiciary.

The focus of the conversation was on issues related to the pandemic. Borrell spoke about the EU's solidarity with the Georgian people, which was reflected in the ˆ 183 million in assistance that the EU will provide to Georgia for protective equipment, strengthening the healthcare system and socio-economic recovery.

The EU has also committed ˆ 150 million in macro-financial assistance, half of which has already been paid.

Joseph Borrell noted the EU's commitment to ensuring the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, including in neighboring EU countries. Georgia can use additional EU assistance, in particular through the World Health Organization, to properly prepare for the vaccination campaign.

Borel and Zurabishvili also discussed the humanitarian situation in the occupied regions of Georgia. According to an EU press release , the human rights situation remains a major concern as people are denied access to free movement and access to adequate health care.

The EU leader reiterated that the EU is committed to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Georgia and fully supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The issue of the Association Agreement was also discussed. Borrell praised Georgia's progress in this area and the country's unwavering contribution to the Eastern Partnership program.