Denmark supports Georgia’s European aspirations based on human rights, the rule of law, and independent democratic institutions, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said following the meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Monday.

According to the Danish Minister, his visit has three purposes, “first, to show support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty”.

“You may think Denmark is a small country like Georgia. Countries like ours need solid and reliable strategic Alliances and partnerships, and that is why we are stepping up our engagement in these times. I will officially open the Danish Embassy in Georgia later today. It has been a long priority for Denmark to have an embassy in Georgia,” he stated.

The Danish Minister said that the second purpose was to highlight the historically strong bilateral relationship of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Danish Parliament with Georgia. He named the development of commercial ties and mutual trade as the third reason for the visit.

Danish Minister noted that direct flights between Copenhagen and Georgia would launch later this year.

“These are important times. Georgia people have made it clear a long time ago that they want a European future. They are closer than ever to achieving this. Denmark supports Georgia’s European aspirations based on human rights, the rule of law, and independent democratic institutions. So now, it is up to Georgia to deliver on its ambitions and aspirations.

I want to assure you that Denmark will continue to support your path. I would like to take this opportunity to express that the position of my country to Georgia’s candidate status will be ‘yes’. You will be granted candidate status in the autumn when we look into the recommendations from the European Commission.

It is a merit-based path to the EU. All are linked to the Copenhagen criteria. We want to support Georgia to fulfil these criteria. If Georgia fulfils these criteria based on recommendations, Denmark will support Georgia’s candidate status,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen added.