Georgian, Ukrainian presidents meet in Kyiv: we've common goals, challenges, need to boost ties
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili invited Ukrainian president to Georgia on July 18. Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky’s press office.
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Georgian and Ukrainian presidents have met in Kyiv earlier today and stated that the two countries have common, Euro-Atlantic goals, face common challenges from Russia and need to further strengthen economic and political ties.
Both Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that their countries should work together for the Black sea security, with the support of the international community.
My third time meeting with @ZelenskyyUa, my first official visit to Ukraine. A joint vision toward European and Euro-Atlantic integration brings Ukraine and Georgia together as two close friends and partners. pic.twitter.com/D0gfmNOJV1
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) June 23, 2021
Zurabishvili said that Georgia and Ukraine have taken major steps for the integration into NATO and the EU and that the recent NATO summit in Brussels has confirmed that the alliance’s door remains open for both countries.
She said that now the cooperation in cyber and Black Sea security with NATO should be strengthened, as well as other directions outlined in the NATO summit communique.
Thank you for the warm welcome, @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/RiDIpH5Iq9
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) June 23, 2021
Zurabishvili said Euro-Atlantic integration ‘has no alternative’ for Georgia and Ukraine.
She said that Georgia aims to resolve conflicts with Russia only in a peaceful manner, adding that Russia continues its destructive actions both in Georgia and Ukraine.
Zurabishvili once again urged the international community to help the Georgian government ensure the release of illegally convicted Georgian citizen Zaza Gakheladze by occupation forces in the de facto Tskhinvali region.
Discussed Euro-Atlantic aspirations of ???????? and ???????? with @Zourabichvili_S. Our countries share a common goal of acquiring full membership in the EU and NATO. Energy security was also discussed. We agreed to make it a priority area of further cooperation. pic.twitter.com/vBFhKC6g0x
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 23, 2021
Zelensky said that easing border regulations for Georgian and Ukrainian citizens and the return of Georgian and Ukrainian prisoners to their countries have also been discussed at the meeting.
He said that the countries should further strengthen people-to-people relations and cooperation in the tourism field, ‘especially during the pandemic.’
Zelensky said that Georgia and Ukraine should take steps for energy security.
.@Zourabichvili_S welcome to ???????? The common task of ???????? & ???????? is to reinforce friendly ties & strategic partnership with real content and specific projects. Our countries share common challenges in defending sovereignty, security in the Black Sea Region and Euro-Atlantic aspirations pic.twitter.com/JObZgUz5XC
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 23, 2021
He stated that Georgia is Ukraine’s important trading partner in the South Caucasus and that he expects the increase in trade turnover in the year, despite the pandemic.
The restoration of meetings of Georgian-Ukrainian inter-governmental commission will be important for further strengthening of economic cooperation. We are trying to ensure the conduct of the 10th meeting of the commission in September of the year,” Zelensky said.
He stated that a political dialogue between Tbilisi and Kyiv is upgrading and that the two countries need concrete projects and formats to further boost cooperation.