Georgian, Swedish FMs discuss Russian aggression in Ukraine, European security, Georgia’s EU membership bid
Zalkaliani also spoke about the EU membership application submitted by Georgia last week, and the importance of obtaining the status of a candidate country. Photo: MFA of Georgia
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The ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, issues related to European security and Georgia’s application for European Union membership were discussed by Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and his Swedish counterpart Ann Linde in a phone call on Wednesday.
The Foreign Ministry said the conversation had focused on the “unwavering” support by Georgia and Sweden for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and their involvement in the relevant international efforts. Activities of the Georgian and Swedish governments in providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine were highlighted.
In the call, Ann Linde thanked Georgia for its support to Ukraine. The top diplomats of both countries discussed the security environment and challenges for Georgia in the light of the ongoing Ukraine war.
Discussed with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia ???????? @DZalkaliani regional implications of Russian aggression against #Ukraine. Reiterated ???????? support to ???????? territorial integrity and resilience. pic.twitter.com/9p9i0PnxZx
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) March 9, 2022
The situation in Russian-occupied territories of Georgia was also a focus, with the sides emphasising the need for a greater involvement of European and international partners in the region.
Zalkaliani also spoke about the EU membership application submitted by Georgia last week, and the importance of obtaining the status of a candidate country.
The Minister stressed the irreversibility of the country’s integration with the European Union, the progress already made on this path as well as future plans, including a full and consistent implementation of the obligations under the Association Agreement.
The door to the European Union is open for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, Andrzej Halicki, a Polish MEP and member of the European People's Party, said on Tuesday.
Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are "belong to the European family" and "share our European values", David Mcallister, a Member of the European Parliament, told the Georgian Public Broadcaster on Wednesday.
The official application submitted by Georgia for European Union membership, and the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, were discussed by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his Belgian counterpart Alexander De Croo in a phone call on Tuesday.
There is practically no alternative for the European Union other than issuing a “clear and strong message” that it must open the door to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, Ryszard Czarnecki, member of the European Conservative and Reform Group in the European Parliament, said on Tuesday.
Georgia will continue to provide political support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people at “absolutely all international platforms”, in addition to ensuring humanitarian assistance, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, said on Wednesday.
It is “extremely important” for the European Union that Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are “under its umbrella”, Gia Volski, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party and Vice Parliament Speaker, said on Wednesday.
The Georgian government has assisted about 1,500 citizens of the country in evacuations from Ukraine amid the war, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
Clement Beaune, the French European Affairs Minister, said on Thursday that Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova would “probably” join the European Union “in a few years.”
The Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Georgia on Friday supported the draft resolution on the country’s accession to the European Union.
The Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the political and humanitarian assistance to the country, was discussed by the Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and his Latvian counterpart Edgars Rkinkevics in a phone call on Friday.