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"Georgian, Estonian leaders mull reforms in Georgia", Trend, 5 July 2011

05.07.2011

N.Kirtzkhalia

Economic and political reforms in Georgia were key topics at a meeting of the Georgian and Estonian presidents in Batumi, the Georgian presidential administration told Trend.

Estonian President Toomas Ilves told his Georgian counterpart President Mikheil Saakashvili that reforms "turned Georgia into a significant world state."

Ilves arrived in Batumi yesterday and visited the House of Justice together with Saakashvili. He familiarized himself with innovations in the civil legal services available to the public through the ‘single window’ system.

During the one-on-one meeting, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and the need to deepen them.

Saakashvili thanked Ilves for his support, restating his appreciation for the visit when Russian tanks were near Tbilisi in 2008. "We will never forget it," Saakashvili said.

He said he is grateful for Estonia’s support to Georgia in the European integration. "This is our strategic goal, and your statement about an open-door policy in the EU is very significant for us," Saakashvili said.

In turn, Ilves said today Georgia has taken a great step forward and political reforms should be continued to democratize the country.

Today, Ilves will meet with Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri in Tbilisi, as well as with representatives of the opposition and civil society.

Original article on the Trend homepage.