Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission praised the measures implemented by the Government of Georgia towards addressing the global pandemic of a novel Coronavirus, along with current economic and political reforms in the country during a video conference with the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Conversation was related to the measures taken in the fight with the pandemic, along with joint actions implemented by the European Union and Georgia. Giorgi Gakharia expressed gratitude for a significant financial support of the EU and noted a decisive importance of support demonstrated by the EU as one of the largest donors of the country.

Ursula von der Leyen noted that Georgia and EU are very close friends and Georgia may rely on solid support from the EU, as evidenced by a close cooperation and concrete, tangible financial support at the time of crisis. President of the European Commission also noted that her institution stands ready to continue support of Georgia both at the level of expertise and financial resources.

Focus during the video conference was made on the current conditions observed in the occupied territories of Georgia. Prime Minister spoke in detail about the grave conditions and noted that when the entire world is fighting with the pandemic, occupation forces continue their so-called borderization process. Therefore, support and solidarity of Europe is now more important than ever. Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the solid support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, thereby noting that it will continue to be clear and unwavering.

Discussion was also related to the process of current reforms implemented in the country. Prime Minister of Georgia spoke in detail about the economic and political dimension of current efforts. President of the European Commission greatly commended on actions taken by the authorities inter alia towards the election process.

Dignitaries also discussed the implementation of the Association Agenda during the video conference. They reviewed the opportunities created by the Association Agreement. Cooperation within the Black Sea region and current infrastructure projects, which are connecting Georgia with the EU, have been singled out within this context.

It was noted during the discussion that Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Georgia to Brussels, which was scheduled for April, has been postponed because of the pandemic and will be held after combating the global challenge. President of the European Commission also confirmed her readiness to once again visit Georgia as soon as the first opportunity arises and this time in the new role of the incumbent President of the European Commission.

David Zalkaliani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Nata Sabanadze, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Belgium and Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Head of Georgian Mission to the EU; Irakli Chikovani, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Georgia participated in the video conference.