Priorities of Chairmanship to be assumed by Georgia at the Council of Europe were among the key topics of discussion by and between Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia and Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe today.

It was noted that priorities of Georgia are based on democracy, human rights and rule of law in the capacity of the next Chairman of the Council of Europe.

Meeting held at the Government Administration included discussion of topics related to bilateral cooperation between Georgia and Council of Europe, along with the Action Plan for 2020-2023, which covers projects implemented by Georgia together with the Council of Europe in the referred years.

As Prime Minister’s Press Office stated, the focus was made on the significantly positive role of the Action Plans existed so far in the process of democratic reforms implemented in the country. Parties expressed hope that the future programs will have specific, tangible results as well.

Discussions held at the meeting were related to the current condition observed at the occupied territories and along the occupation line. Process related to the referred issue within the Council of Europe was also reviewed. Prime Minister of Georgia expressed gratitude to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for the solid support of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

Georgia will take over the chairmanship of Council of Europe’s (CoE) Committee of Ministers for a six-month term starting November 27. The Secretary General of the CoE Marija Pejčinović Burić has arrived in Georgia in connection with Georgia’s upcoming chairmanship.

Presentation of the coin issued in connection with the 70th anniversary of the CoE and the 20th jubilee of Georgia’s CoE membership as well as the action plan of Georgia in the Council of Europe for 2020-2023 will be held within the framework of the visit.

The plan was prepared with active cooperation of the Georgian side and aims at bringing human rights protection, democracy and supremacy of law in line with the European standards.

This is the first time when Georgia heads Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.

The chairmanship will be passed from France to Georgia in Strasbourg.