Lithuania, Georgian presidents talk reforms, Lithuania's support

VILNIUS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda had a phone conversation with his Georgian leader Salome Zourabichvili and discussed the implementation of reforms in Georgia and Lithuania's support for the country's bid to join the EU.

"Lithuania strongly supports Georgia's civil society on its way to Europe, the freedom of the press and public expression. We are ready to share our experience of European integration and to help Georgia to achieve progress necessary for the country's further rapprochement with the EU. However, this also requires the political will of Georgia's leadership," Nauseda said during the conversation.

The Lithuanian leader also underlined strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Last week, the Georgian government dropped its plans to adopt a controversial law on "foreign agents" after tens of thousands of outraged demonstrators took to the streets. Critics said the legislation was reminiscent of the existing rules in Russia.

President Zourabichvili is openly in favor of closer ties with the West and criticizes the country's ruling party, but her powers are limited.

Having fought a brief war with neighboring Russia in 2008, Georgia formally applied to join the EU last year along with Ukraine and Moldova. The latter two were granted candidate status, while Georgia was told to carry out further reforms to start the long road to EU membership.