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Georgia, European Union begin negotiations on free trade

The beginning of free trade talks between Georgia and the European Union was announced in Brussels on December 12, 2011

TBILISI, March 27 (Itar-Tass) —— Negotiations on free trade between Georgia and the European Union are to be crowned by a complete integration of their economies, a spokesman for the Georgian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

“Negotiations on a profound and comprehensive agreement on free trade between Georgia and the European Union are a key component of the agreement on Georgia’s associated membership in the European Union,” the spokesman said, commenting on the first round of negotiations that started here on Tuesday.

“The talks on a free trade agreement will last from 18 months to two years, and will result in complete integration of Georgia’s economy into the economy of the European Union,” Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tornike Gorgadze told journalists. “As concerns closer ties with the European Union and adopting European standards, Georgia has travelled a long way and has done much to achieve a serious progress.”

Negotiation on free trade between Georgia and the European Union were officially kicked off on February 28, 2012 during the visit to Georgia by European commissioner for trade Karel De Gucht. The former then said the beginning of talks confirmed the European Union’s commitment towards progressive economic integration and political association with its eastern neighbors. The beginning of free trade talks between Georgia and the European Union was announced in Brussels on December 12, 2011.