Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, congratulated Georgians on granting EU candidate status to Georgia in his statement.

The Patriarch congratulateდ Georgia on the “exceptional day” and notes that the current government’s great efforts, the determination of the people and the work of many people have been invested in obtaining the candidate status, besides, all the authorities of Georgia have contributed to the progress since Georgia’s restoration of independence.

“Today is a special day, because the EU candidate status opens up new opportunities for political stability within the country and raising the international relations status, also, cultural, scientific, technical and economic progress.

We hope this link will be mutually beneficial and will help to strengthen Christian traditions and spiritual values ​​of our country.

The great efforts of our current government, the determination of our people and the hard work of many people have been invested in obtaining candidate status; Since the restoration of independence, all the authorities of Georgia have contributed to paving this path.

My congratulations and blessing to you all!. May God bless the unity, peace and successful future of Georgia,” reads the statement.

On December 14, the European Council opened EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and granted EU candidate status to Georgia.