Georgian PM highlights importance of CoE secretary general’s visit

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described a meeting with the secretary general of the Council of Europe as very friendly and productive.

"We had a very friendly and productive meeting with the secretary general of the Council of Europe. We agreed to continue our close cooperation between our country and the EU," Kobakhidze said following his meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

The prime minister noted that the cooperation between Georgia and the Council of Europe, which began in the 1990s, has deeply connected the two sides.

"Berset’s visit to Georgia is very important. We had a very friendly and productive meeting, where we discussed the current processes in the country and our cooperation with the Council of Europe. We agreed to continue our close collaboration between our country and the Council of Europe. This partnership, which began in the 1990s, has deeply connected us. This cooperation should remain as active as possible. We are interested in it. The secretary general’s personal role in this issue is particularly significant, and we are confident that our country will receive his personal support in all spheres," Kobakhidze added. 

Berset arrived in Tbilisi on December 18. Besides the discussions with Kobakhidze, the secretary general of the Council of Europe is scheduled to meet with Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, newly elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, opposition leaders, and civil society representatives. Berset’s official visit will conclude on December 21.

By Naila Huseynova