Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy today.

The European Commission recommending a status of the EU Candidate Country to be granted by the European Council to Georgia was discussed at the meeting. The Head of Government of Georgia highlighted the significance of the historic decision and noted that the country now expects a positive decision to be made by EU leaders in December, resulting in granting the actual status to Georgia.

Significance of launching a high-level energy dialogue between the EU and Georgia was discussed as well. It was noted that it is particularly important for Georgia, by taking into consideration the decisive stage within the process of EU accession.

Irakli Garibashvili expressed his gratitude to Kadri Simson for the support demonstrated in this process.

Cooperation of Georgia and the EU was discussed in the energy sector, thereby highlighting the rising role of Georgia in the process of energy security of Europe. As the Prime Minister of Georgia noted, the country stands ready to play a significant role in enabling the energy security of Europe through utilizing its own potential in transit and in generation of green energy.

Discussion was related to the energy projects of global importance with the engagement of Georgia. Particular attention was paid to the significance of the Black Sea Submarine Cable Project for the EU and countries of the South Caucasus.

Focus was made on the potential, which Georgia has as a country rich in hydro and renewable energy resources. It was noted that Georgia has a significant potential in generating surplus energy from renewable sources, which may be supplied to neighboring countries. At the same time, dignitaries stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation with the EU towards developing the area of green energy.

Meeting held within the Government Administration was attended by Barbara Glowacka, Cabinet Member of the European Commissioner for Energy; H.E. Pawel Herczynski, EU Ambassador to Georgia; Levan Davitashvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Romeo Mikautadze, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; H.E. Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Georgia"s Mission to the EU.