British Ambassador: UK “firm friend” of Georgia, supports Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations

Mark Clayton, the British Ambassador to Georgia, on Tuesday said the United Kingdom was a “firm friend” of Georgia and affirmed its support to the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In his speech at the official event in honour of King Charles III’s birthday, Clayton noted the UK had received strong support from Georgia amid the death of the longest reigning monarch of the UK - late Queen Elizabeth II, adding “friends and partners” from Georgia, along with representatives of different countries, had paid their respects and signed the book of condolences.

We once again felt the support when our friends visited London for the coronation ceremony of King Charles III", the Ambassador said, noting that he was grateful to Georgia during both important events for Britain.

The British Ambassador noted the past year was “significant” for UK-Georgia relations, citing Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili’s visit to London for the annual strategic talks, as well as British FM’s first visit to Georgia in March since 2016.

These visits are important and are an opportunity for in-depth dialogue with the Prime Minister and ministers on important issues. However, this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our relationship with Georgia”, Clayton noted.

He also emphasised the participation of the contingent of the British Armed Forces in the exercises planned in Georgia later this year.