Thornike Gordadze, Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, is representing Georgia in the talks. (DFWatch photo.)

TBILISI, DFWatch — Negotiations are continuing Tuesday between Georgia and the EU about an association agreement. This is the eleventh session, and the talks are talking place at the government office.

Currently Georgia is negotiating with the EU on three separate fronts: association agreement, a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement (DCFTA) and about visa free travel.

Thornike Gordadze, State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration, represents Georgia in the negotiations. Gunnar Wiegand, Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation and OSCE at the European External Action Service, represents the EU.

Before the session Thornike Gordadze told journalists 3-4 rounds are left until the negotiations on association agreement and DCFTA are completed.

He said the next round will be held by a representative of the new government.

“It is very important for us to continue negotiations in the same rate as before,” he said. “We achieved that major part of the negotiations is already finished. We think 3-4 more rounds may be necessary to end the negotiations on an association agreement and DCFTA.”

He said the main goal of both parties is to complete the negotiations in the second half of 2013.

“Afterwards, Georgia will be given even larger perspectives to apply for EU membership.”

The outgoing minister wished the new government good luck with continuing the negotiations with the EU.