Georgia aims to enter into EU by 2030 - PM

TBILISI. Nov 8 (Interfax) - Georgia aims to enter into the European Union by 2030, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said.

"We set an ambitious goal to become an EU member by 2030, when Georgia will be the best prepared EU candidate by all parameters, including democracy, human rights, the economy and others," Kobakhidze told Georgian reporters in Budapest.

He spoke at the plenary session of the EU summit, hosted by the Hungarian capital, and met with the leaders of several European nations on Thursday. "I had an opportunity to speak at a thematic panel and the plenary session of the summit, and I spoke about the unfolding processes in Georgia and relations with the European Union," Kobakhidze said.

He also said he had met with the leaders of several EU members and European Council President Charles Michel.

As to the demand of European leaders that Georgia repeal the laws on foreign agents and the ban on LGBT community propaganda, Kobakhidze said Georgia needed arguments in favor of repealing those laws but the opponents did not provide such. "If anyone has claims against our laws, they must be specific about what they dislike, what article, and what provision," Kobakhidze said.

He said he reiterated Georgia's complete preparedness for any discussion at his meetings with Michel and other European leaders.