They discussed the latest developments in EU-Georgia relations, looking ahead to a busy year which will include the signature of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area later in summer. The Commissioner and the Prime Minister reviewed the work to be done in the time leading to the signature of the Agreements. Commissioner Füle assured the Prime Minister of the EU's full support for Georgia in preparing for signature and then in the implementation of this ground-breaking treaty. The Commissioner also said a strengthened communication ensures that by the time of signature of the AA/DCFTA the Georgian public will have had ample opportunities to discuss all aspects of the Agreement and its benefits, and there is high preparedness for its implementation.
He also urged Prime Minister Garibashvili to continue to pay attention to defending political pluralism and media freedom in Georgia, as the hallmarks of a healthy democracy and reflection of the values on which the EU-Georgia relations are being built. In this context, the Commissioner stressed the need for further strengthening of democratic institutions.
