Georgian Parliament delegation, UK officials discuss Russian occupation, Euro-Atlantic integration
The Georgian side pointed out the “necessity and urgent need” of the country's integration into NATO to ensure “full-fledged” security of both Georgia and the “Euro-Atlantic space”. Photo: Georgian Parliament
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The current situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), regional security environment and the process of the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration were discussed on Tuesday in a meeting between a delegation of the Georgian Parliament's Defence and Security Committee and officials of the United Kingdom Government in London.
The legislative body said the delegation held meetings with the UK’s Home Office and Cabinet Office as well as “high-ranking” representatives of the National Security Council and David Lidington, the Chair of the Royal United Services Institute - a defence and security think tank - during the visit.
Honored 2 meet & enjoyed conversation w/ @DLidington, Chair of @RUSI_org. Discussed many issues incl challenges the wider region faces, supporting ????????, strengthening regional security, cooperation between RUSI & our Committee. Thank U Sir David 4 warm welcome & interesting talk. pic.twitter.com/UxlhRJJEbG
— Irakli Beraia (@IrakliBeraiaMP) November 20, 2023
The sides also discussed the security and defence partnership between the two countries and “main directions” of cooperation between relevant agencies, with the officials highlighting the importance of the UK’s support in strengthening Georgia's defence capabilities and national resilience in response to a “full range” of hybrid threats.
The Georgian side pointed out the “necessity and urgent need” of the country's integration into NATO to ensure “full-fledged” security of both Georgia and the “Euro-Atlantic space”.
The meeting featured Sophie Katsarava, Georgia’s Ambassador to the UK, Irakli Beraia, the Chair of the Defence and Security Committee of the lawmaking body as well as MPs Irakli Chikovani, Aleksandre Tabatadze and Khatia Tsilosani.
Irakli Beraia, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Defence and Security Committee, on Thursday said international cooperation played a “very important” role in development of the country’s defence capabilities.
Irakli Beraia, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's Defence and Security Committee, on Monday said cooperation between NATO and the country was at an “unprecedentedly high” level.
Bilateral cooperation in defence was discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze and the British Ambassador Mark Clayton.
Sophie Katsarava, Georgia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, was on Monday awarded the Diplomat of the Year prize by DIPLOMAT, a leading foreign affairs publication recognising some of the most influential envoys based in the UK.
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday vowed the 2024 parliamentary elections in the country would be “free, fair and competitive”.
Leo Docherty, the British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe, on Thursday highlighted the United Kingdom’s “continued support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mark Clayton, the British Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said his Government was a “strong supporter” of Georgia’s NATO integration process.