Close partnership and prospects of future cooperation between Georgia and Austria were among the key topics discussed at a meeting of Prime Minister of Georgia and Austrian Parliamentary Delegation today.

Irakli Garibashvili highlighted that the existing potential of relationship between Georgia and Austria should be used to its maximum and cover such areas as economy, energy, tourism, agriculture, environment, education, culture and others.

It was noted that parliamentary support is particularly important towards this end. Focus at the meeting was made on the Official Visit of the Prime Minister to Austria this July, thereby noting that it has given a new impetus to the bilateral relations.

Irakli Garibashvili underlined the significance of strong political support demonstrated by Austria at every stage of EU accession of Georgia, thereby noting that the country is working hard on priorities laid out by the European Council in an inclusive manner. Namely, both the government and parliament of the country are engaged in the process, along with opposition parties and civil society.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Austrian authorities for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as the non-recognition polity and vital contribution to the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). He reiterated his commitment towards a peaceful conflict resolution policy.

Discussion was also related to the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and its significant role in the implementation of the ambitious reform agenda of Georgia and in a greater approximation of the country to the EU. Attention was paid to the successful implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda and greater connectivity via the Black Sea, which as noted thereby, is a common goal of Georgia and EU.

Meeting held within the Government Administration was attended by Revaz Javelidze, Head of Government Administration and Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to Austria from the hosting side, while the visiting officials included Members of the Austria-South Caucasus Parliamentary Friendship Group: Franz Essl, Sybille Hamann and Martina Künsberg Sarre; H.E. Thomas Mühlmann, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Georgia; Lukas Mussi, Deputy Head of Department for Parliamentary Administration – International Relations.