Voorzitter Van Rompuy over zijn ontmoeting met Georgische president Saakashvili (en)

EUROPEAN COUNCIL THE PRESIDT

Brussels, 7 November 2013 EUCO

PRESSE 458 PRPCE 199

Remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy i after his meeting with President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili

It was a pleasure to meet President Saakashvili again. I thanked him for the cooperation and for the friendship to the European Union

The recent Presidential election in Georgia was successful, building on the accomplishments of last year's parliamentary election. During a challenging period of cohabitation both the majority and minority in Parliament deserve congratulation for what they have been able to achieve. It is essential for a democracy that a spirit of constructive opposition be maintained. I recalled the importance that the EU attaches to the correct functioning of democratic institutions and the respect of rule of law

I expressed gratitude for Georgia's active role in the Eastern Partnership, which has provided a good framework for advancing our bilateral relations. I reiterated the European Union's ongoing commitment to achieve political association and economic integration with Georgia, and more specifically our intention to initial the Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, with Georgia at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius at the end of this month

I also recalled the European Union's unwavering commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity. Through the Geneva International Discussions and the EU Monitoring Mission, the European Union acts as guarantor of Georgia's security. We take this responsibility very seriously, and at the same time we expect Georgia to play its own part