Georgian FM, EU diplomat discuss European integration prospects, security challenges

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Enrique Mora, the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, on Wednesday discussed the country’s European Union integration prospects and security challenges amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Georgia’s foreign office said.

In a Tbilisi meeting held as part of the Georgia-EU strategic dialogue on security issues, the sides highlighted the “historic importance” of the European Council’s decision that granted Georgia a European perspective last year and outlined priorities for the country to obtain the bloc’s membership candidate status.

The officials also focused on the importance of strengthening Black Sea connectivity between Georgia and the EU and the country’s role in strengthening the energy security of member states of the bloc on the backdrop of the war. 

In his remarks, Mora reaffirmed the EU’s “strong support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the bloc’s readiness to ensure its efforts for the peaceful resolution of conflicts on the territory of the country, including through its Monitoring Mission.

The EUMM is the only foreign mission in Georgia observing activities adjacent to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).