On April 20, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between Georgia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Victor Dolidze held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bert Koenders. The meeting was held in The Hague within the framework of State Minister’s working visit.
At the meeting Georgia’s progress as an Eastern Partnership country was highlighted. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands reaffirmed the readiness of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to continue supporting Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations through facilitating implementation of projects related to strategic communications, economic development and education. “We discussed significant issues, including provocative actions of Russia, especially recently taken steps to towards annexation. I have expressed my gratitude to our Dutch colleagues for their support both in bilateral and multilateral formats that they always demonstrate regarding the EU, NATO and any other direction. Obviously, we also addressed the on-going sectoral reforms in Georgia that contributes to the implementation of the Association Agreement, relations with NATO, political association with the EU and integration issues”, stated Victor Dolidze after the meeting.
The State Minister also met with the Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. Recently elected Members of the Parliament demonstrated interest in the activities carried out within the framework of the Association Agreement as well as towards integration into NATO. Victor Dolidze addressed reforms implemented in various fields in compliance with the Association Agreement. The State Minister expressed his gratitude to the Dutch side for their support to Georgia’s visa liberalization with the EU and noted that the Government of Georgia continues its active work with partner countries for the consolidation of their support to further steps of Georgia’s integration in the EU and NATO.
Furthermore, the State Minister held a meeting at The Hague office of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA International). The intergovernmental organization aims to contribute to the sustainable democracy in the world. Victor Dolidze and Senior Programme Manager, Sam van der Staak discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation with the organization. Parties discussed possibilities to implement specific programmes aiming to develop and strengthen democratic institutions in Georgia.
On April 21, within the framework of the visit, the Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands organized the lecture of the State Minister “Georgia’s European Way” at the Europe House. Representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in the Netherlands, research institutes and international organizations attended the event.
The public lecture was concluded with a discussion where the State Minister addressed the questions on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.
The lecture was followed by the exhibition of the Dutch Photographer Thomas Vahé “Georgia through Dutchman’s Eye”.
Audience also had opportunity to taste Georgian wine and snacks.
Source and photos: Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands