Latvian president supports Georgia's European aspirations, urges continued reforms

RIGA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis on Wednesday urged Georgia to continue reforms while reiterating Latvia's support for a further deepening of European Union (EU)-Georgia relations.

Georgia has made remarkable progress on its reforms, setting an example to other countries aspiring to join the European Union (EU), Vejonis said during his meeting with Georgian Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze in Riga, according to the presidential office.

The Latvian president underlined that it is essential to carry through with the reforms to achieve their goals.

"The practical implementation of the reforms has to continue, particularly in the spheres of the judiciary, rule of law, good governance and economy," Vejonis told the Georgian parliament speaker.

He also urged Georgia to keep working on the implementation of its association agreement with the EU because the future dynamic of EU-Georgia relations will largely depend on the agreement's success.

"It is important to demonstrate that the association agreement promotes Georgia's economic growth and greater prosperity of its people," Vejonis said.

The two officials also noted that 2018 is a special year for the two countries' bilateral ties as both Latvia and Georgia are marking the centenary of their statehood and the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Enditem