Georgia receives action plan on easing visa restrictions with EU

Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 25 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /

Georgia has obtained a plan of action for a dialogue on the easing of visa restrictions with the EU.

The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström delivered it to Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze.

"The Georgian side is considering this visit as the EU's further support for Georgia," Panjikidze said. "Georgia has the opportunity to move to the next stage of negotiations on a visa free system and begin fulfilling the first legislative phase of the action plan.

"Opening a perspective of visa free travel for Georgian citizens to the EU has a strategic importance for us. This is the main tool to intensify contacts between various people and an effective mechanism for further rapprochement with the EU. I think that Georgia has led the position in the liberalization of the visa regime. I would like to certify Georgia's readiness to promptly fulfil the criteria set by the dialogue and implement the reforms olong the relevant directions."

The minister thanked Malmström for promoting the cooperation within the visa dialogue and expressed hope that the European side will properly appreciate the efforts of the Georgian side.

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