Georgia’s US Ambassador, National Endowment for Democracy President discuss democratic consolidation in Georgia

Georgia's United States Ambassador David Zalkaliani and Damon Wilson, the President of the National Endowment for Democracy, on Tuesday discussed the importance of further democratic consolidation in Georgia and the European perspective granted to the country by the European Commission.

Zalkaliani thanked NED leadership for the organisation's “significant efforts” in the democratic development of Georgia and the strengthening of democratic institutions “since the first days” of the country's independence.

He also said the status granted to Georgia by the Commission was “of historical significance” for the country, while adding the state “deserved more than it received at this stage”. The Ambassador also noted his Government would fulfil its obligations and “do the utmost” to ensure it was granted the candidate status for EU membership.

The parties also discussed the political situation in Georgia and the wider Black Sea region, as well as security challenges in light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. 

During the meeting, Zalkaliani also highlighted the “challenging” political and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, and the ongoing creeping annexation by Russian occupation forces.