Estonian President says why Georgia should join EU at int’l forum
Expansion of the European Union was among the issues discussed at the 14th Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. Photo: Kersti Kaljulaid's Twitter account
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Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid spoke of Georgia’s European Union aspirations at the 14th Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia.
Speaking about EU expansion, she said Georgia is among the countries which is expected to be let in.
The main reason why it is important not to close the door to Georgia is the occupation. Georgia’s territory is partially occupied and this does not even represent a frozen conflict. Occupation of South Ossetia continues,” President Kaljulaid said.
She further noted that Georgia could become a successful reformer country and by refusing its EU membership due to fear of Russia's reaction, would be a signal that the latter can still dictate "who can choose the western orientation” in the region.
Kersti Kaljulaid has recently met with her Georgian counterpart, President Salome Zurabishvili in Warsaw as well, where she received the newest information about the situation on the occupation line.
The de facto State Security Committee of Georgia’s eastern Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region has announced a temporary closure of the so-called border with Georgia between September 4-6.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili says that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to create a joint strategy with Georgia on how to combat Russian occupation and help both countries become members of the EU.
President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid said she received the newest information about the situation on the occupation line between Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region and the rest of Georgia at today’s meeting with her Georgian counterpart Salome Zurabishvili.
The Russian Foreign Ministry shared “serious concern over the escalation of tension on the border between South Ossetia and Georgia” caused by the construction of Georgian police checkpoint close to the villages of Chorchana and Tsnelisi on both sides of the occupation line.
President of Hungary János Áder has arrived to Georgia on his first official visit. He will meet his Georgian counterpart President Salome Zurabishvili tomorrow. However, today he was welcomed by Georgian foreign ministry officials at Tbilisi International Airport.