The meetings of the high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue are held once a year and cover issues of common interest in the field of foreign and security policy. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
The Georgian capital of Tbilisi hosted the third high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue yesterday, reconfirming “both sides' strong interest in closer cooperation in foreign and security policy, in line with the EU-Georgia Association Agreement”.
The European Union Delegation to Georgia reported that the sides discussed the security and humanitarian situation in Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), including the recent developments on the ground in relation with Russia.
EU and Georgia are security partners ????????????????.
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) October 25, 2019
Opening 3rd EU-Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue by @eu_eeas Deputy SecGen Belliard in Tbilisi.
Substantive discussions expected on key foreign & security policy issues, incl. conflict-related. #EU4Georgia pic.twitter.com/GKHkw1MjiQ
The dialogue was co-chaired by the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Vakhtang Makharoblishvili and Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Jean-Christophe Belliard.
The EU and Georgia share the same commitment to international law and fundamental values, including democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which lay at the heart of the Eastern Partnership”, Deputy Secretary-General Belliard said.
Belliard further added that “working together, enhancing our dialogue on strategic issues, we can make a difference not only for our citizens, but also on the wider international scene”.
The EU values the role of Georgia as an important partner in promoting security both regionally and internationally. EU firmly supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU continues to remain committed to peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia," he stated.
First Deputy Foreign Minister Makharoblishvili also said that “this is a dialogue of two committed partners who work together to promote peace and security in our region and beyond”.
We condemned intensified provocations in and around the occupied territories of Georgia, including the building of so-called posts of occupation forces close to the village of Chorchana, installation of artificial barriers along the occupation line in the villages of Atotsi and Gugutiantkari and the lengthy closures of so-called crossing points”, he said.
Makharoblishvili said, the both sides emphasised the necessity of “peaceful resolution" of the Russia-Georgia conflict and, in this regard, underlined the importance of reaching tangible results in the Geneva International Discussions.
The third high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue took place on 25 October 2019 in Tbilisi. The meeting reconfirmed both sides' strong interest in closer cooperation in foreign and security policy. https://t.co/XUDG1myWG7 @eu_eeas ????????????????
— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) October 26, 2019
They also highlighted the important role of the EU Monitoring Mission for peace and security in Georgia and underlined the necessity of full implementation of its mandate.
The meetings of the high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue are held once a year and cover issues of common interest in the field of foreign and security policy.