Georgia has recognised Serbia as the most serious candidate for EU membership, from which it wants to learn and obtain more information and technical knowledge, as well as conduct general consultations on the process of European integration, Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has said today in Batumi.
Minister Joksimović is currently on a two-day visit to Georgia, where she has met with numerous officials, including the Georgian President, and has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of European Integration with the Head of the Georgian diplomacy, David Zalkaliani.
"Georgia is a country that has European aspirations, and is, like Serbia, located in a specific geopolitical space, where the interests of great powers collide. Georgia is striding on its path of stabilisation and modernisation through the process of European integration. It seems to me that it is trying to become a part of the EU through reforms, democratisation and, in general, through overall progress of society, because ultimately, the interest of citizens is the most important thing for every responsible government," she has said.
She has pointed out that Georgia appreciates Serbian administration and experts, who have worked hard on the preparation of the European integration process, which is still ongoing and which will continue to be conducted in the coming years.
According to her, the Memorandum has further confirmed the good political and economic relations between the two countries.
Joksimović has stressed that Serbia will offer its assistance to all who aspire to a European future and want to learn something from Serbia in this process.
"Minister Zalkaliani has also confirmed full compliance with the standards of international law and respect for territorial integrity. Georgia is a principled partner of Serbia, which expands its friendship coalition at the international level in every way," she has explained.
Zalkaliani has expressed his satisfaction with the signed Memorandum and has said that it represents a framework for developing cooperation with Serbia in the field of European integration.
"We wish a lot of success to our Serbian colleagues in this important European integration process. Our wish is to go towards the EU as well. We are the frontrunner in this regard in Eastern Europe," he has said.
Zalkaliani has said that his country wants to learn from Serbia, and has expressed his belief that this cooperation will be mutually beneficial.
Source: Tanjug
