UPDATE - Germany pledges support for Georgia’s EU bid

UPDATES WITH MORE COMMENTS FROM SCHOLZ

BERLIN (AA) - Germany will strongly support Georgia on its European path, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Berlin, Scholz recalled that European leaders “have opened an EU perspective” for Georgia, during their meeting in June.

“I would like to encourage Georgia now to take the necessary reforms,” he stressed, adding that the country should meet several criteria to get the EU candidate country status.

“This necessitates joint efforts by all political forces, and I would like to assure you that Germany will support you in this process. We’ll be glad to help Georgia on its path to European Union,” he said.

Scholz also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Georgia was faced with the Russian aggression, it was attacked in 2008, and since then parts of Georgia are under Russian control,” he said.

“The German government remains committed to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” he added.

Garibashvili, who also met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, appreciated Berlin's support to succeed on the EU integration path and to ensure peace across the region.