Patriarch: We have always supported the European integration - this decision is the result of the efforts of our people and the government, and we congratulate everyone on this success

We have always supported the European integration and we hope that our country will make a valuable contribution to the further progress of the great European family - this decision is the result of the efforts of our people and the government, - reads the statement of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

Ilia II responds to the positive assessment of the European Commission regarding the candidate status and congratulates everyone on success.

"Yesterday, it became known that the European Commission positively evaluated the steps taken by the Georgian authorities and made a recommendation to the European Council so that our country could receive the candidate status.

Over the years, European Commissioners and other representatives of the European Union have always emphasized that the unique culture of Georgia is an integral part of the European culture and that the preservation and development of our country's Christian traditions, spiritual values and, in general, its ancient culture is important for the European Union itself.

That's why we have always supported European integration and we hope our country will make a valuable contribution to the further progress of this great European family.

This decision is the result of the efforts of our people and the government, and we congratulate everyone on this success," reads the Patriarch's statement, which was released by the Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate.