Georgian PM, British Foreign Secretary commend “strategic partnership”, “high-level” dialogue between states

A meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Friday highlighted the “strategic partnership” between the states and the existing “high-level” political dialogue, the Government Administration said. 

In the Tbilisi meeting, the head of the Georgian Government stressed Cleverly’s visit had reaffirmed “positive dynamics” in bilateral ties, before discussing the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue format between the two countries in further developing their “strategic cooperation”. 

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The officials also reviewed the possibility to further strengthen partnership in various sectors, the Government press office said. 

The Georgian PM on Friday hosted the British Foreign Secretary in his office. Video: Governmnet press office 

Garibashvili thanked the visiting official for his country’s “unwavering support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its contribution to the country’s democratic development. 

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I’m in Tbilisi today with a clear purpose.

To show the UK’s support for Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We’re backing the strength, resilience and democratic will of the Georgian people ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/WzoFejSaOE

— James Cleverly???????? (@JamesCleverly) March 17, 2023

The meeting also reviewed the security environment in the South Caucasus region on the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Georgia’s “important role” in strengthening the security of the Black Sea region. 

Cleverly’s visit marks the first arrival of a British foreign office head to Georgia since 2016. After his meetings with his Georgian counterpart and the PM on Friday, the British official is scheduled to observe the administrative line separating the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region from the rest of the country, before departing the country later on Friday.