Prime Minister of Georgia met Members of the European Parliament (MEP) inter alia to express his gratitude for the uninterrupted support towards the European integration of Georgia, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby noting that EU engagement in progressing the democracy and solid support of European prospects of Georgia are of paramount importance.

Irakli Garibashvili elaborated on the complete readiness of the country to hold free, fair and transparent local elections during his meeting with MEPs, thereby highlighting the importance of the elections for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia, strong institutional building, further independence of the judiciary and rule of law. As the Prime Minister noted, 6 democratic elections have been held since 2012 and each of them were declared by international observers as free and fair.

According to Irakli Garibashvili, Georgian authorities have invited observers for local elections of 2021 from a number of international organizations, including the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), European Parliament (EP), OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), National-Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI).

The Prime Minister noted that similar to the previous year, authorities of the country ensure COVID-free elections in full compliance with regulations imposed by the Ministry of Health. According to the Head of Government of Georgia, specific protocols have been developed by taking into consideration all the challenges related to the pandemic for ensuring the health and safety of the international observers.

Irakli Garibashvili reaffirmed the MEPs in the commitment of the Associated Trio towards European integration, thereby expressing confidence that the European Parliament will further empower the Associated Trio with its support to make sure that all the defined aims and goals are met in due course.

Focus at the meeting was also made on the role of Georgia in facilitating peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Initiative of the Prime Minister of Georgia towards creating a Peaceful Neighbourhood Format for the South Caucasus has been commanded. It was originally voiced at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Meeting with MEPs was attended by H.E. Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia; David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration of Georgia.