PM lauds his office’s policies for “national interests, security”, coordination with partners to back Ukraine

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday claimed his Government had ensured protection of interests of citizens and domestic security while acting “in full accordance” with international partners to back Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the third European Political Community Summit in Spain, the head of the Government stressed his country’s situation differed from other nations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as 20 percent of the Georgian territories remained occupied by Russia and Tbilisi lacked “any international security umbrellas”. 

Georgia is neither a member of NATO nor the European Union. We have to maneuvre quite sensibly in this most difficult geopolitical situation, which is full of turbulence. I believe the Georgian Government has acted in this manner since the launch of the Russia-Ukraine conflict”, he noted. 

Garibashvili stressed the “major concern” for his office now was obtaining the EU’s membership candidate status later this year. 

• PM highlights “main message” of “deserved” EU candidacy at Granada Summit

Despite the attempts of internal and external enemies who are in sabotage mode so that the country does not get the status, I want to express the hope that we will defeat them, [and that] the people will win, our country will win”, he said. 

He highlighted the “key goal” of the current Government was peaceful reintegration of the Russian-controlled regions and unification of the country, along with ensuring reforms for the country’s “democratic development”.