The most important thing for Georgia is that it is not alone, – Claudia Roth, Vice-President of the German Bundestag, told in Batumi, where she is attending the International Conference “Ten years of Valued Partnership – Passed Way and Perspectives”.

The Batumi International Conference is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Eastern Partnership Initiative.

“This is a very important conference because the situation in the world as well as in your region is difficult.  Therefore, the most important message for Georgia is that it is not alone. yesterday, I met internally displaced persons who were standing at the dividing wire fences and watching this Russian infrastructure. To be honest, I had a feeling of deja vu. I felt a special responsibility to support Georgia. We should not forget the reality existing in Georgia that means that 20 percent of the country is occupied. In my opinion, we were very silent in recent years, in fact, we forgot Georgia. We talk about Ukraine, which is very good, but when we talk about the issues such as environment, agreements, association and democracy, which are very important, but we should remember and not forget that 20 percent of Georgia is occupied”, – said Claudia Roth.

Vice-President of the Bundestag said that the full implementation of the Association Agreement with the European Union is the path to the EU.

“The Association Agreement with Georgia is not the final goal and full implementation of this Agreement is the path to the EU. I do not want to close the door for Georgia and say that the Association Agreement is enough. Prospect should exist, but the full implementation of the agreement is necessary. Georgia is a bridge between Azerbaijan and Armenia, you connect them here in Georgia. You are a bridge between Asia and Europe and I fully support your EU aspiration”, – added Claudia Roth.