Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has congratulated the country's population on the European Commission's "positive report" on visa liberalization.
Garibashvili told a government meeting on Friday that he had had phone conversations with some EU leaders on Thursday and that they had confirmed their positive evaluation of Georgia's efforts to fulfill its obligations on visa liberalization.
"I want to congratulate everyone and thank all agencies that took part in the fulfillment of the obligations assumed by us and that did everything to ensure that these obligations are fulfilled to 100%," he said.
The prime minister reiterated that this decision constitutes recognition of "the right of citizens of Georgia" to free travel, which the country's administration has been working on for many years. "It's our victory and recognition of our efforts, these are the results of three years of our foreign policy," he said.
The prime minister called the decision "historical."
Garibashvili also recalled the statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on his intention to abolish the visa regime for citizens of Georgia. "This once again confirms that there will be no restrictions in the EU and in Russia on Georgian citizens' travel," the prime minister said.
