At a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó, Georgia’s Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili reiterated Georgia’s unwavering commitment to joining the European Union, describing it as a primary goal of the country’s foreign policy. Darchiashvili emphasized that Georgia’s European path is irreversible and that the nation will continue its reform efforts to align with EU standards.

“The European Council’s decision on Georgia’s EU candidacy took our relations with the EU to a new strategic level and firmly anchored Georgia’s future with the EU. Against all odds, accession to the EU remains Georgia’s one of the key foreign policy goals. I have reaffirmed to my colleague, that my country’s European track is irreversible. We continue working to take the necessary reform process forward in line with the joint commitments, including nine steps as well as implementation of the association agreement and the DCFTA. On this line, it is crucial to maintain effective communication and dialogue with all our colleagues and the EU in order to have frank and open exchanges. Only by doing so, we can overcome differences and progress toward our common goals. We also discussed a wide range of common priorities,” Darchiashvili said.

The Minister underscored Georgia’s role as a reliable security ally for the EU and its contribution to regional stability and security.

“Georgia remains a highly reliable security ally for the European Union, contributing to the security and stability of our partners. in this heavily contested region, our major goal is to promote Georgia’s role as a strong stronghold of regional peace and stability, democratic development and cooperation. This effort also goes hand in hand with our common interest to exploit the untapped potential of international trade and alternative routes of energy and freight transportation in the black sea. Georgia is a crucial partner of the EU when it comes to the materialization of the strategic initiatives spelt out in the EU’s global gateway. We welcome Hungary’s, active engagement in strengthening connectivity in the black sea region. We believe that Georgia’s initiatives such as the Black Sea submarine electricity cable and the fibre optic cable, as well as the ferry feeder services in the Black Sea, can offer effective solutions to ensuring energy, independence and security, food security and reliable alternative transportations routes, especially in the current heavy geopolitical environment,” he said.

The Georgian FM concluded by emphasizing the importance of frequent exchanges of ideas on the cooperation agenda between Georgia and Hungary, aligning with shared goals and strategic interests.