Georgian, British top diplomats review strategic partnership

Strategic partnership between Georgia and the United Kingdom and “intensive” bilateral and multilateral cooperation involving the sides were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between the Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and his British counterpart James Cleverly.

The officials noted the importance of the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue format between the governments in further developing the strategic cooperation, the Georgian foreign office said.

Reaffirming their support for ties “in all fields”, they also said agreements between the two states provided a “good opportunity to further strengthen the partnership”.

Launched the 8th session of ???????????????? Wardrop Strategic Dialogue with @JamesCleverly. Outlined the prospects for developing relations in various areas from defense& security, to economics &people-to-people contacts. Grateful to???????? for their support for ????????'s terr integrity& peace policy pic.twitter.com/7LqbO5SrDG

— Ilia Darchiashvili (@iliadarch) January 26, 2023

In comments at the meeting, the officials emphasised the trade and economic partnership, as well as the growing transit and economic role of Georgia, and highlighted the “important contribution” of the UK in the implementation of reforms at Georgian state institutions.

The meeting also noted the UK’s “strong support” for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as displayed in “relevant statements and documents at both the executive and legislative levels”.

Darchiashvili told his counterpart about the situation in the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, and reaffirmed his Government’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The FM also overviewed Georgia’s political and humanitarian support for the country amid the war.