Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius received the Prime Minister of Georgia

Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius received the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, who came on an official visit to Lithuania. During the meeting Heads of Government discussed bilateral economic relations, the importance of democratic development of Georgia and Lithuania’s support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

“Cooperation between Lithuania and Georgia has always been exceptional, and based on mutual understanding”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius in the meeting. “I believe that your visit will help to further strengthen relations between the two countries, and will give a new momentum for further development of business relations and friendship of people.”

During the meeting the Head of Government has noted that the continued democratic development of Georgia is an important factor on the way to the Euro-Atlantic integration, especially before the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2016. “Lithuania is always willing to share its experience of the Euro-Atlantic integration, and we are ready to advise and work together in order to reach common goals”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius.

According to the Prime Minister, successful conclusion of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan is the top priority right now for Georgia, which would allow its citizens to travel to the EU countries without restrictions, and to take one step closer to the Community. “Third progress report on the implementation by Georgia of the action plan on visa liberalisation by the European Commission will be released in the middle of December. We expect it to be positive and final, and that it will be followed by a positive decision of the EU Council on visa liberalisation with Georgia”, said Prime Minister Butkevičius.

During the meeting it was pointed out that after Georgia signed the association and free trade agreements with the EU, the bilateral trade relations have improved. “Over the last years, Georgia has become one of the main partners of Lithuania in the South Caucasus region”, noted Prime Minister Butkevičius. “Over the last years our trade turnover has increased by almost 40%.”

In January 2015, during the visit of Prime Minister Butkevičius to Georgia, an Economic Cooperation Agreement between Lithuania and Georgia was signed. The first meeting of the Commission is to take place tomorrow in Vilnius. 
 
In the meeting, the Lithuanian Prime Minister has expressed support to Georgia’s territorial integrity. The Georgian Prime Minister has thanked for the efforts to develop friendly relations not only between the two states, but also among the people.  

In the meeting, concern has been expressed regarding the situation in the Eastern Ukraine. 

Today in the afternoon, at 13:10, the Lithuanian and Georgian Prime Ministers will take part in the opening of the Tbilisi Square in Vilnius, Žvėrynas.