Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has met with Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Tbilisi. After the meeting they held a joint briefing.

What did Georgia's PM say?

• Occupation

The Prime Minister of Georgia noted that the Russian occupation of the country continues, which is a huge challenge. According to him, "the government responds to this challenge with a appropriate, prudent policy."

“Let me warmly greet and welcome my dear colleague Karl Nehammer, Federal Chancellor of Austria. I am delighted to host my Austrian colleague in Georgia. It is the first visit of the Austrian Chancellor to Georgia and it may well be called a historic one. I wish to initially express gratitude to my colleague. We have had a very productive meeting and discussion. I was in Vienna with an Official Visit in summer hosted by Mr. Nehammer. We have had a very fruitful discussion about our bilateral relations, geo-political situation at large that is rather challenging at a global scale, on the continent of Europe and within our region. Naturally, it all affects our countries.

We had a detailed discussion here as well, touching upon the current situation. Of course, war in Ukraine is the most pressing challenge on the continent of Europe. Such large-scale crises have not been witnessed since WWII in Europe. Of course, it is a major problem for the security architecture of the entire Europe, the whole world and for our region as well. You may well be aware that our country has problems of its own. 20% of our territory is occupied by Russia. War in 2008 was, of course, devastating for our country. It has resulted in a so-called recognition of our historic territories – Abkhazia and Samachablo. This occupation continues to this day, which is naturally a huge challenge for our country. We are responding to it with an appropriate, prudent policy. We have succeeded in maintaining peace, stability and economic advancement in Georgia for the past 10 years," Garibashvili said.

• European Integration

Garibashvili spoke about the European integration of the country and noted that the current government has accomplished all the possible milestone achievements:

"Our governance has accomplished all the possible milestone achievements that could have been made in essence in the journey of EU integration in the last 10 years. I am referring to the signing of an EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) concluded with Europe, visa-free travel arrangement and now this historic decision announced last June. It clearly validated the European Perspective of our country. I wish to once again thank Austria – our friendly nation – and the Federal Chancellor himself for this. We highly value Austrian support towards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. Same applies now to our European aspirations. We understand it rather well that certain criteria and requirements exist for us to meet. We have fully conceptualized that. It is our responsibility. Our entire team in governance is working with this responsibility, this spirit. We are delivering on the recommendations that were communicated and advised to Georgia. From the outset, we started to work actively on this topic. Parliament of Georgia worked hard towards this end, on this road, together with the Government. Majority of recommendations have already been met. A few remain pending. Our deliverables have been sent to the Venice Commission. Of course, engagement of the opposition is essential as the first recommendation is about a need to reduce or to be more precise – to end – polarization. It cannot be delivered without a collaboration with the opposition. Our position on this is as follows: we have always been and remain ready to open doors to them, to keep a constant dialogue and this dialogue to remain within a constructive framework."

• Political relations between Austria and Georgia

According to the Prime Minister, political relations are at the highest level between Austria and Georgia.

"As for the other topics, you may well be aware that at the political level, political relations are at the highest level between Austria and Georgia. This visit today is an evidence to that and I wish to once again thank our esteemed guest. We also had a discussion on how to deepen our relations towards other directions, such as trade, economy, tourism, investments. Georgia is a very interesting destination for investments. We have succeeded in achieving a double-digit economic growth indicator 2 years in a row. Year before last it was 10.5%, while last year – 10%, enabling us to carry out further more projects for the benefit of our country and people, of course. Georgia is among the most attractive countries with its investment opportunities. We rank 7th in the global index with ease of doing business. Also, we have one of the lowest bureaucracy and least barriers. We always welcome Austrian companies – Austrian investors – gaining their exposure to Georgia," the PM said.

• Black Sea Submarine Electricity Transmission Cable project

The Prime Minister spoke about the Black Sea Submarine Electricity Transmission Cable project:

"I also wish to note that we have now started to implement a strategic project with an engagement of the EU. It is a Black Sea Submarine Electricity Transmission Cable. The Work Group has already been established and 4 countries – Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania and Hungary – are engaged in the initiative, as you may well be aware, Federal Chancellor. It may turn into a vivid and exemplary project. We highly value connectivity and it is one of the key priorities for our Government. These and other projects will, of course, help Georgia in gaining a greater integration with the EU market, in becoming more independent. We should jointly strengthen the degree of mutual dependence. These are the key topics discussed with the Federal Chancellor. He has a rather busy schedule in Georgia and I wish to once again thank him for the visit. We will have an opportunity to continue our dialogue this evening. Thank you and the floor is now yours, Federal Chancellor.”

What did Austria's Federal Chancellor say?

• Economic partnership

Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer said that productive cooperation with Georgia is extremely important for Austria:

“Dear Prime Minister, thank you very much. It is a pleasant indeed to have this opportunity of being your guest today. We met last July. It is true that my visit should have occurred a bit earlier, but some circumstances delayed it. Thus, I am very happy that we managed to find a mutually acceptable date for our meeting this time, as it is most important for me to note that Georgia and Austria enjoy very good relations with each other.

Meanwhile, we have accumulated a lasting tradition of diplomatic interaction, as we have been having diplomatic ties for 30 years already. Georgia is indeed a significant economic partner for Austria, inter alia due to the fact that Austrian corporations are offered very attractive opportunities here. Economic indicators of Georgia are very impressive. They evidence the presence of a dynamic market first and foremost. When we speak about tourism and energy generation, this topic becomes further more important and Georgia is a most interesting partner for Austrian corporations towards this end as well. I can bring one example of cooperation between Healthy Water and RAUCH. It is an exemplary partnership: two Austrian family-run businesses that have transferred their know-how to Georgia and continue gaining significant success. We are already ranked 2nd at the market of natural juices and this is indeed an impressive success," Nehammer said.

• European Integration

According to him, Austria supports Georgia's European integration aspirations and is ready to provide assistance in obtaining the status of a candidate country for the European Union.

As Nehammer mentioned, it is not always easy to follow the European recommendations, but it is definitely worth it:

"As for the prospects of EU accession, highlighted by the Prime Minister, it is a most important topic, especially against the background of current developments. In this case we are talking about not only geo-strategic, but economic interests as well. During the meeting we had prior to the press-conference, we talked a lot about this process and about what needs to be done. The Prime Minister told me about the progress already witnessed, inter alia involving the implementation of recommendations issued by the European Commission. It is an essential process. I understand that it is not always easy, though it is worth it. It is worth intensifying efforts and investing more in the full sense of the word, as the process brings a lot of domestic state advantages, inter alia benefiting the citizens of Georgia. Those bearing the political responsibility, will have a great task to deliver. I offered support to the Prime Minister towards this end, wherever needed. At the same time, this process evidences that every candidate should be placed in the equitable conditions with no possibility of cutting the road short. Significant and productive discussions were held within the EU on this topic in recent months, as all three candidates have been demonstrating clearly progressive steps. As noted already, Austria stands by Georgia in this process, including in the context of providing support with its know-how. We were in the same situation ourselves originally, when we wanted to accede to the EU and remember it well that the road was hard till we really achieved the goal."

• Russia's war against Ukraine and Georgia

According to Nehammer, territory of Georgia is occupied and Russian troops are based here, causing slight alterations to the policies pursued by the country.

"Naturally, we spoke about the topic worrying all of us for almost a year now. I refer to the war in Ukraine. People are badly suffering there. War is acquiring heavy forms and it further increases the pain and suffering of people. Georgia is placed in a special situation in this regard. The Prime Minister touched upon this topic as well. Austria will remain to be an envoy focusing on the special condition of Georgia. Territory of Georgia is occupied and Russian troops are based here, causing slight alterations to the policies pursued by the country. Nevertheless, I am delighted that Georgia joined every financial sanction imposed by the EU. It is not easy indeed, as the pressure is huge. Large influx of refugees have escaped from Russia to Georgia. This most difficult time is a huge challenge for the Government of Georgia as well. Though, I am also strongly convinced that Georgia is pursuing the right course of action on the road to EU integration. From our side, we offer support in every direction necessary.

Austria is also supporting the EU Mission in Georgia. At present 7 Austrian monitors are placed in the EUMM in Georgia. We plan to visit them. EUMM makes a significant contribution to stability. I understand that we should not have exaggerated expectations towards this end, though the Mission is important for the EU to be vividly represented in the region. At the same time, it should be noted that territorial integrity of Georgia is within the center of Austrian and EU scope of action.

Rational judgement is always essential in politics. Politics is an art of doable. The Government of Georgia and Prime Minister with all his steps are moving within this corridor. I know that this is most hard and that is why I am thrilled to be able to repeat: first of all, I am delighted to be here representing the outstanding cooperation of Austria and Georgia and secondly, I wish to reiterate that I stand ready to support Georgia as a partner on this complex road." Nehammer said.

Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer is on a one-day visit to Georgia.