Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton naar Georgië (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 25 November 2012 A

Catherine Ashton i travels to Georgia

Brussels, 25 November 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, will travel to Georgia on Monday where she will meet Prime Minister Ivanishvili and President Saakashvili

Speaking ahead of her trip, Catherine Ashton said: "I am very much looking forward to meeting the Prime Minister and President of Georgia in Tbilisi and to making progress on the significant agenda of EU-Georgia relations together with them. Our cooperation is wide-ranging and we have much to discuss, including the rapid progress being made towards an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. I will reiterate my congratulations to the Georgian people on the positive democratic conduct of the recent parliamentary election, as well as the importance we attach to the new Government and the President of Georgia working constructively together. Georgia can count on the EU's support for its efforts in this regard. I also want to place particular emphasis on the impartial application of justice and the rule of law, values which Georgia and the European Union share."

The High Representative will also meet Foreign Minister Panjikidze. Other issues for discussions during the visit will include Georgia's cooperation with the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy, Georgia's contribution to international security, and the work of the EU's Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

Background info

EU relations with Geor gia:http://eeas.europa.eu/geor gi a/index en.htm