Dutch FM says Georgia is crucial for regional peace, security

Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Stef Blok, who came to Tbilisi late yesterday, says that Georgia is a ‘very important country’ for security and stability in the region and ‘enjoys values like the rule of law, human rights and democratization.’

• Dutch FM visiting Georgia for the first time in 10 years

Georgia is a role model for democratic reforms,” Blok said, expressing hope that the ‘positive trend’ will be maintained.

He said that the Netherlands will continue to support democratic reforms in Georgia.

We are waiting for Georgia to hold free and fair elections [this year],” urging for a political dialogue [with the opposition] ‘which will make Georgia’s democracy stronger.’

Stef Blok says that the Netherlands is waiting from the Georgian government to conduct free and fair parliamentary elections this year.  Photo: Foreign Ministry press office. 

Blok said that the Netherlands “is very much concerned” by Russia’s actions in Georgia and the situation in terms of human rights in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

I want to reaffirm the Netherlands' firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Blok said.

Later today Blok visited the occupation line in the village of Odzisi, central Georgia. 

Delighted to have welcomed @ministerBlok and a delegation from the @DutchMFA in Odzisi close to the ABL with South Ossetia.. Updated them on current developments at ABL and Mission's role in monitoring and diminishing tensions. I thanked????????for the important support to @EUMMGeorgia pic.twitter.com/znEvKTr2hA

— EUMM Head of Mission (@EUMMGeorgia_HoM) January 22, 2020