Georgia, Tbilisi, Sept. 5 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
Georgian citizens will be able to make short trips to the Schengen area without visas by late 2013, Georgian Permanent Representative to the EU Salome Samadashvili said today,
"2013 for Georgia will be very important," she said. "We plan to complete the negotiations on association and free trade with the EU by late 2013. Our close and friendly country - Lithuania - will chair the EU during the second half of 2013. Vilnius will host the Eastern Partnership summit. We think that we will solve the important issues in relations with the EU at this summit."
She also expressed hope that citizens will be given the opportunity to visit the Schengen area without visas by late 2013.
"We are taking all the necessary steps," she added. "The appropriate reforms are being conducted. But, of course, the support of all EU member-states is required."