site.btaSofia Reconfirms Its Support for Georgia's European Choice

Sofia Reconfirms Its Support for
Georgia's European
Choice


Sofia, February 25 (BTA) - A parliamentary delegation of the
Parliament of Georgia led by Speaker David Usupashvili arrived
Wednesday on an official visit to Bulgaria until February 26 at
the invitation of National Assembly Chairperson Tsetska
Tsacheva, the Bulgarian Parliament said. Conferring with the
guest, Tsacheva said that Bulgaria supports the European choice
of Georgia and is ready to share with it its experience in this
area.

Tsacheva recalled that Bulgaria was among the first to ratify
Georgia' Association Agreement and expressed hope that all EU
member states will ratify the agreement by the Riga Summit.

The Georgian Parliament leader thanked Georgia for the clear
commitment of Bulgaria to his country's EU prospects. He briefed
Tsacheva on the efforts and policies of his country to
strengthen the democratic institutions and rule of law, and
reform the judiciary.

The two sides were unanimous that bilateral relations are fine
and free of open issues, and that there is a shared will to
strengthen cooperation in all areas.

Tsacheva called Georgia "a traditional economic partner" and
confirmed the interest of her country to deepen long-term
cooperation in energy security, transport corridors, agriculture
and tourism.

Bilateral trade relations have been developing actively in the
recent years and statistics shows that Bulgaria is Georgia's
ninth biggest trading partner.

Later in the day the Georgian Parliament leader met with
President Rosen Plevneliev. The President is quoted as saying by
his press office that Bulgaria is an example of the positive
effect of European integration on the sustainability of state
instituitons, on economic development and the establishment of
the principles of democracy and rule of law. "Georgia can be a
successful model of democratic development in the Caucasus, as a
country making persistent efforts on its road to integration
into the EU structures," said the Bulgarian President.

The two sides were unanimous that Georgia's Association
Agreement will energize the processes of integration of Georgia
and bring about stability in the Black Sea region.

President Plevneliev said that Bulgaria relies on active
Georgian support for ensuring transit of natural gas from
Azerbaijan to Europe.

On the Georgian delegation are Tedo Dzhaparidze, Chairman of the
Foreign Relations Committee of the Georgian Parliament,
Chairman of the European Integration Committee Victor Dolidze,
and Levan Kardava, a member of the Farming Affairs Committee.
LN/

//