Georgia’s progress is an example to the other countries of the Eastern Partnership
12 July 2013 News
“Bulgaria is following the development of Georgia, is happy about its successes, is concerned about its problems and supports the aspirations of the Georgian people. Even when we criticise, we do so in a positive spirit, for neighbours and friends have to speak frankly, honestly and openly. We support Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic approach, and we are ready to co-operate to the best of our ability, and to continue to share our experiences,” Minister Vigenin said in his speech at the opening of the International Conference“Georgia’s European Way: The EU Eastern Partnership EU with a view to the upcoming high-level meeting in Vilnius”, held in Batumi, Georgia.
"In 2012, Georgia passed an important test of democracy by organising free and fair elections,” Kristian Vigeninsaid. He emphasised that the Parliament formed, with a strong and experienced opposition, which works together with the ruling majority, despite the difficulties and differences, had become the most efficiently functioning institution.
The Bulgarian Foreign Minister gave a positive assessment to the initiatives launched by the Georgian government aimed at strengthening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. "There are still major challenges that Georgia must overcome. There are to be important reforms to ensure a functioning justice system,” he said.
Minister Vigenin urged all Eastern Partnership countries to make full use of the months remaining before the top-level meeting in November in Vilnius to implement the tasks in the Roadmap. “The deepening of economic co-operation among the countries of the region should continue, so to be able to prepare an even more ambitious program for 2014-2015, after assessing the progress made so far,” he said.
Kristian Vigenin expressed confidence thatby the meeting in Vilnius, Ukraine will have achieved the required progress to sign the Association Agreement, and Georgia, Moldova and Armenia will be able to initial agreements within the term of office of the current European Commission. "The completion of negotiations with the most ambitious of our partners at the meeting in Vilnius will be an example and encouragement to other Eastern Partnership countries to continue reforms," the Foreign Ministersaid.
Minister Vigenin recalled that he had been associated with the Eastern Partnership initiative since its inception, especially in his capacity as co-chairman of EURONEST and monitored closely the ideas, discussions and processes that accompany its implementation. "I am glad that this Lithuanian rotating presidency has made the EU Eastern Partnership a priority," he said. The initiative is an important part of the European Neighbourhood Policy and it had sent a strong political signal of solidarity from the EU of its readiness to provide further and tangible support for democratic and market economy-oriented reforms and support to promote independence and territorial integrity of the partner countries.