BERLIN

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili discussed the latter's EU bid during their meeting on Friday, a German government spokesman said.

“The Chancellor emphasized that Germany continues to support Georgia on its way to the European Union and called on the Georgian government to take the necessary reform steps,” Steffen Hebestreit said in a statement.

“The recommendations of the European Commission point the way to candidate status. The chancellor called on the Georgian government to address the necessary efforts in a timely manner and with the utmost determination in the coming weeks,” he added.

Hebestreit said Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Garibashvili also discussed the developments in the region, and the far-reaching effects of the Ukraine war.

“With regard to the security situation, the Chancellor stressed that Germany continues to support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” Hebestreit said.

He added that the two leaders agreed to continue their “open and result-oriented” exchange, and that they will remain in close contact on the issues they discussed.