Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri and Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of the Federal Republic of Germany, Nancy Faeser held a joint briefing.
During his speech, Vakhtang Gomelauri extended congratulations to Georgian people on EU candidate status, emphasizing the Ministry of Internal Affairs' active role in fulfilling European Commission recommendations. The Minister of Internal Affairs underscored the importance of productive cooperation with the leading EU states, including the Federal Republic of Germany, in Georgia's path to European integration. Both Ministers addressed the significance of the recently concluded Agreement on Migration and Mobility between Georgia and the Federal Republic of Germany. During the joint briefing, it was noted that the signed Agreement would provide Georgian citizens with more opportunities for legal employment in Germany.
“This visit holds immense significance for our nation, for our support. Germany consistently stands by Georgia in all aspects, including territorial integrity and European integration. Achieving the EU Candidate Status recently is a pivotal milestone—congratulations to all. It is important to emphasize the continuous support we always receive from Germany. The agreement on Migration and Mobility was signed between the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the government of Georgia. The Agreement includes provisions on various issues, such as the reduction of illegal migration, fostering cooperation in labor migration, the interchange of experiences in the educational field, and the protection of data exchanged within the framework of the Agreement.”- stated Vakhtang Gomelauri.
“First of all, I would like to highlight the European Council's crucial decision to grant the EU Candidate Status to Georgia, a move actively supported by Germany — congratulations. Additionally, I am delighted about the signed Agreement on Migration and Mobility, which enhances cooperation in this area. It is extremely important that the Bundestag made a decision to include Georgia in the list of safe countries of origin. We are also very glad about this decision made by our country, as you have previously noted.
This will alleviate the burden on our judicial system. Especially from municipal governments, which are directly responsible for providing refugees with shelters. Our focus remains on fostering a very close partnership, addressing both illegal migration and targeted efforts in employment, education, specialist and workforce training.
An information campaign will be held in order to inform Georgian citizens about the limited opportunities of obtaining asylum in Germany. The process of attracting workforce and specialists will persist. Many thanks to the Georgian side for their close cooperation—a solid foundation for future collaboration between our countries,"- stated Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of the Federal Republic of Germany, Nancy Faeser.
Following the speeches, the ministers took questions from both Georgian and German journalists.
Vakhtang Gomelauri discussed the importance of including Georgia in the list of safe countries of origin. “It's crucial for our country to be recognized as a safe country. If we aim to join the European Union, we need to be in the list of safe countries of origin. Nobody will let an unsafe country join the EU. Naturally, this entails specific obligations, which we need to fulfill."- stated Vakhtang Gomelauri.
In response to the media’s question, the Minister of Internal Affairs discussed the Agreement signed between Georgia and the Federal Republic of Germany.
“The information that suggests that our citizens will be expelled from Germany is not true. On the contrary, more opportunities are opening up for us. While obtaining work visas is a bit tougher now, it will be much easier in the future," – stated Vakhtang Gomelauri.
Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of the Federal Republic of Germany, Nancy Faeser once again stressed the significance of including Georgia in the list of safe countries. Nancy Faeser also mentioned granting the EU candidate status to Georgia.
At the end of the briefing, Vakhtang Gomelauri expressed gratitude to Nancy Faeser for her visit to Georgia and her unwavering support.
