Georgian FM, EU officials review security matters, integration

The security situation in Georgia and the wider region was discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and a visiting delegation of the Political and Security Committee of the Council of the European Union.

Darchiashvili informed the visiting officials about the “difficult” situation in the Russian-occupied territories of Georgia, both from the security and humanitarian point of view, and reiterated the Government’s “strong” will to peacefully resolve the conflicts, the Georgian foreign office said.

The visiting officials emphasised the “unwavering” support of the European Union for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders and the willingness of the bloc to continue playing an “active” role in the resolution of the conflicts.

The meeting focused on the role of Georgia as a “reliable and strategic” partner of the European Union in promoting peace and stability, ensuring mutually beneficial cooperation, development of connectivity and democracy in the Black Sea region.

The meeting also reviewed the process of Georgia’s aspirations to join the bloc, with the EU officials noting its door was “open” for the country.

Darchiashvili “once again” confirmed the Government's “commitment” to the country's European path and readiness to implement a “complex agenda of reforms”.

He also expressed his expectation that the “significant progress” made by the country would lead to it moving to the next stage of the integration process.