Georgia will intensify cooperation with Austria in trade-economic and security spheres, said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the joint briefing with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

According to the PM, Georgia values friendship and cooperation with Austria. Georgia and Austria mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year, and the first official visit to Austria is an honour. As Georgia aspires to become a member of the European Union, Garibashvili lauded the European Council’s much-anticipated decision on its EU accession application.

“Georgians share the common European values. For us, EU membership is the key motivation. The European Perspective represents the recognition of years of progress made by Georgia, and we appreciate that,” Garibashvili explained.

Aside from this, PM emphasized Georgia is working towards fulfilling the 12-point recommendations from the EC, saying this process should be inclusive, with representatives from government, opposition, and civic sector participating.

PM Garibashvili said there are challenges in Georgia, Russia occupies its territories, but the country maintains economic and political stability. “Peace has no alternative, and we should try our best to stop the war. Peace and stability should restore,” he stated.