What makes Georgia and Moldova very close are the common European integration aspirations as well as common historical and cultural connections, stated Avtandil Mikatsadze, Charge d'Affaires of Georgia in the Republic of Moldova, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo titled “In five years a country's life can improve dramatically”. “The starting lines for both Moldova and Georgia following the collapse of the Soviet Union were almost identical. Two decades have passed since. Over this period, our countries have gone through quite complicated times. Both Moldova and Georgia saw real wars emerge for their territorial integrity, which were instigated from outside, economic depression in the late 1990s, sociopolitical woes, as well as ongoing occupation. Today our two former Soviet states have set their feet firmly on the path of modernization and renewal”, said the Georgian diplomat. Speaking about his country's foreign affairs vector, he said that in the beginning Georgia went through difficult times and hesitations. “Until 2003, Georgia was a typical “failed state”. Bureaucracy was throttling any initiative in society. The country was living in dire poverty, the infrastructure was underdeveloped, and the economy was plagued by rampant corruption. (...) Moreover, in the early 1990s a number of parties and political hacks with criminal past mired the country into a fratricidal civil war. But as soon as the situation stabilized, it has become clear that our state sees its future only within the common European family”, stated Avtandil Mikatsadze. The Georgian explained the reasons that determined Georgia's option for the West. “Above all, it was the kinship in terms of civilization and culture with the European countries. In the Middle Ages, Georgia was an outpost of Christianity in the Near East. We could say that our country gradually restores this position and becomes a full-fledged member of the European family of nations. Georgia regards accession to the Euro-Atlantic institutions as the only way to guarantee its security. While the EU acknowledged Georgia's European option, its membership is now only a prospect. However, this doesn't stop Georgia and we think that, step by step, by consolidating relations in different areas, we will eventually become a EU member”, said the Georgian diplomat. “Our country has only words of commendation for Moldova's European integration option. History has given Moldova and Georgia a chance to return into Europe and this chance must not be missed. Georgia can only but be happy about the achievements of its closest partner”, stated Avtandil Mikatsadze, Charge d'Affaires of Georgia in the Republic of Moldova, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo dedicated to the 21st anniversary of Moldova's Independence.