Georgia:Â The Georgian Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, met with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janush Voicekhovski, at the European Commission in Brussels.
“Congratulations on your success on the way to Eurointegration. Reforms implemented in Georgia from this angle are significant”, – said Yanush Voitsekhovski with Georgian Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia.
As the European Commissioner noted, granting candidate status to Georgia by the European Union is a crucial step forward. Georgia has taken appropriate steps to achieve this goal.
Otar Shamugia thanked the European Commissioner for EU support to Georgia, including agriculture and rural development.
Otar Shamugia said, “We had tangible progress in the priority areas described in the analytical conclusion of the European Commission published last year; the EU properly evaluated this progress. We are ready to work actively to fulfil the priorities and recommendations set by the European Commission. Ministry is preparing for the next steps of Eurointegration.” Â
The Minister provided detailed information to the European Commissioner about the reforms carried out in agriculture.
The Minister also said, “Since 2012, the Government of Georgia has taken unprecedented steps for agriculture and rural development in the country, which has been reflected in large state investments in this direction.” The Ministry continues to work within the 2021-2027 Strategy framework and its Action Plan of Agriculture and Rural Development of Georgia.Â
“The strategy involves diversification and development of rural economic opportunities, improving social status and living standards, based on the principles of sustainable development,” the minister noted.
The 2021-2027 strategy for Georgia’s agriculture and rural development aims to create an environment that increases competitiveness in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Promote stable growth of high-quality farm production, sustainable use of natural resources, preservation of ecosystems, adaptation to climate change, and implementation of effective sanitary and phytosanitary systems.
At the meeting, Otar Shamugia noted that a working group has already been created to coordinate the implementation of recommendations and develop an action plan. According to the recommendations presented by the European Union, the working group will identify all the measures and needs necessary for implementing these recommendations in an effective and timely manner.
As the European Commissioner stated, Georgia is implementing the recommendations of the European Commission successfully and is making progress. Georgia’s accession to the EU will be important not only for Georgia but also for the EU and the security of the whole world.
“Georgia’s accession has an essential geopolitical aspect for security. Thank you so much once again. We are waiting for Georgia’s integration into the European Union”, – noted Janush Voitsekhovsky.
The First Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili, and the Deputy Ambassador of Georgia Emergency and Plenipotentiary attended the meeting with the European Commissioner to the Kingdom of Belgium, Bidzina Javakhishvili.
