Georgian president calls for visa ease in lead up to Eastern Partnership Summit

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili during an official visit here on Thursday urged the European Union to ease visa requirements for Georgian travellers at the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit here.

Georgia expects a clear message on visa liberalization at the EU's Eastern Partnership Summit here this May, Margvelashvili said at a press conference following a meeting with Latvian President Andris Berzins.

Asked how he expected Latvia to facilitate the easing of the visa regime, the Georgian president said Latvia could use its "deep understanding and good will."

Presidents from both countries said they experienced successful diplomatic relations.

The topic of free travel was also the focus of Margvelashvili's talks with Latvian parliamentary Speaker Inara Murniece who called for maximum progress on mobility to be made at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga.

As the current holders of Council of the EU presidency, Latvia is committed to promoting the Eastern Partnership initiative, and Georgia is one of the most developed Eastern Partnership countries, but it must carry through with its reforms, strengthening democracy, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary, the Latvian parliament Speaker said.

Murniece reiterated Latvia's unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and also described Georgia as an important partner of NATO. Enditem