During Serbia visit, Georgian President emphasises shared European identity

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Friday said that Georgia and Serbia shared similar challenges in their relations with the European Union, stressing that the countries deserve greater respect from Brussels.

In his remarks, Kavelashvili noted that he held important and productive meetings during the visit to Belgrade.

“These were very productive meetings. I would like to thank the President of Serbia for a warm, businesslike, and partnership-based meeting. We touched upon a number of issues. There are several challenges that both countries are facing simultaneously. There are almost common challenges in our relations with the European Union. Most importantly, this was the first visit by a President of Georgia, despite the fact that our countries and our peoples have long supported one another”, he said.

The President further noted that the meetings addressed issues in various fields, including sports, education, agriculture, and economic cooperation.

“In the near future, a commission meeting on trade and economic issues is planned. Many topics will be discussed. We addressed agricultural issues, which are of great interest, as well as military production”, Kavelashvili noted.

Kavelashvili stressed that Georgia and Serbia saw themselves as part of Europe and shared concerns over what they perceived as double standards applied by EU institutions..

“We want to have a unified approach in our relations with the European Union. Both countries consider themselves part of Europe, and there is alignment regarding the double standards that, unfortunately, often come from Brussels toward us, as well as toward the Republic of Serbia. We believe that our countries deserve more respect”, the President concluded.