PM highlights support for Ukraine “from very first days” of war

He also said David Arakhamia, the Ukrainian lawmaker and the country's chief negotiator with Russia, had urged European and American partners not to grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status. Photo: Government Administration

Agenda.ge, 22 Jun 2022 - 17:38, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday highlighted the Government’s support for Ukraine "from the very first days" of its defence from the Russian invasion, stressing the humanitarian aid sent to the war-torn country and the political support for Ukraine in international formats. 

From the very first days of the war, Georgia was one of the first countries to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine. I had a personal communication with my Ukrainian counterpart, and I personally informed him that we were sending humanitarian aid on behalf of the Georgian people and the Government. Since then, as of today, we have joined 260 resolutions [in support for Ukraine]”, Garibashvili said at his presentation of the annual report of the Government's work in the Parliament.

The head of the Georgian Government also reviewed the decision of not imposing national economic sanctions on Russia  by highlighting the impact of Georgia's trade and economic relations with Russia for a "large part of citizens" of the country.

Whether we want it or not, whether we like it or not, that's the reality”, Garibashvili said on the matter. 

He also said David Arakhamia, the Ukrainian lawmaker and the country's chief negotiator with Russia, had urged European and American partners not to grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status.

Garibashvili recalled the allegations made by the Ukrainian legislator, who  accused the Georgian Government of facilitating the bypassing of sanctions imposed on Russia for the invasion. 

Arakhamia was one of the main initiators [of the lobbying against EU candidate status for Georgia]. I know this from our American and European colleagues and friends. He insisted that Georgia not be granted the EU membership candidate status”, the head of the Government told MPs.