Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, visited the Republic of Bulgaria on October 13, 2023. He met with the Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, Maria Gabriel, to discuss several common topics.
Following a personal meeting, both the Foreign Ministers held a joint press conference before visiting the Sofia Institute of Technologies.
During the meeting, the Vice Prime Minister of Bulgaria stressed Sofia’s strong support for Georgia’s integration into the European Union and granting the candidate status for the country. As noted at the meeting, Georgia and Bulgaria shared common European values, and Georgia should hope for Bulgaria’s political and practical support in this way.
The parties paid particular attention to Georgia’s progress, both on the way to integrating into the European Union and on implementing the 12 recommendations of the European Commission. A positive evaluation was given to Georgia’s reforms and efforts in the process of approaching the European Union.
He also emphasized Georgia’s vital role for the EU in key areas such as energy security and alternative transit routes.
Ilia Darchiashvili also focused on Georgia’s progress in the process of European integration and the importance of Bulgaria’s support along the way.
He stated, “For almost a year since the historic decision, Georgia has made significant efforts towards the implementation of 12 EU points”.
The first diplomat meeting of the two countries discussed prospects for further deepening cooperation between Georgia and Bulgaria in the fields of political, trade-economic, tourism, cultural and interpersonal relations.
The talk covered Georgia’s progress in implementing the 12 recommendations of the European Commission and the importance of supporting partner countries in the process of granting EU candidate status.
The Georgian Minister outlined, “We highly value the relationship with Bulgaria and hope that the historical and cultural similarities between the two countries will help to strengthen our ties even further. We are ready to seize every opportunity to further deepen the partnerships between our countries further. ”
The Minister also thanked his colleague for the strong support shown by Bulgaria to Georgia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and European aspirations.
