"The main thing that happened this year is the psychological turn of Europe towards Georgia. When we unfurled the EU flag in 2004, some people laughed at us, some found it unbelievable, they thought that were fantasies. We want to build the European democracy in Georgia. In those times we did not even dream that Georgia would be able to enter the EU, the Europeans said then that geographically this country was not Europe, that it was completely other development, other space, other area of influence", the president said.
Georgian President commented signing the launch of negotiations on a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement of EU with Georgia. Mikheil Saakashvili discussed the issue at the Security Council meeting.
The president in his speech stressed the European leaders` open support and attitudes expressed towards Georgia in the recent period.
"Today in Brussels, the launch of negotiations on EU-Georgia free trade agreement was finally signed. This is a very significant political stage for our country. I think it would take to us certain period of time - months and maybe even years, but not so long for the free trade. This gives investors opportunity to open here a lot of plants, employ a lot of people. Regardless of the problems existing at the European market, Europe is a very attractive alternative for our country. Therefore, this is a big step made forward", he said.
The president added with launching the negotiations, the EU said that Georgia has carried out correct reforms. Saakashvili also hopes the negotiations on visa free travel to start in spring 2012.
