- The Foreign Secretary underscored the UK’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during high-level talks with the Georgian counterpart
- Countering hybrid threats from Russia, bolstering support for Ukraine and backing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations were high on the agenda
The UK today reiterated its commitment to Georgia’s security and stability as the country faces increasing Russian aggression.
Known as the ‘Wardrop Dialogue’, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly received Georgia’s Foreign Secretary Ilia Darchiashvili at Lancaster House in London (Thursday, January 26) for the eighth annual UK-Georgia Strategic Dialogue and informed Minister Darchiashvili that Britain was helping Georgia side would stand the long-term.
The Foreign Secretary used the meeting to underscore the UK’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which since their 2008 war have continued to be challenged by Russian hybrid tactics, including the ongoing construction of barbed wire fences along administrative borders with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
He also hailed Georgia’s support in the fight against Putin’s illegal war on Ukraine by providing vital humanitarian assistance, including providing electricity generators and assisting refugees who are forced to flee their homes.
The foreign minister acknowledged that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showed the need to improve and deepen cooperation with countries, including Georgia, that are particularly vulnerable to Russian aggression.
He also outlined the UK’s commitment to playing a leading role in assisting Georgia to build resilience against hybrid threats. This adds to the wide-ranging support the UK is already providing to Georgia in the areas of military cooperation, cybersecurity and countering disinformation.
During the meeting, ministers agreed to increase cooperation on a number of priorities, including countering Putin’s aggression through continued cooperation on international sanctions and supporting Georgia’s aspirations for closer ties with NATO through the tailored support package.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:
Few understand the reality of Russian aggression better than the people of Georgia.
Today I reiterated that the UK stands by our Georgian friends and will continue our leadership role in assisting in countering the hybrid threats they continue to face from Russia.
As part of the dialogue, the foreign ministers also signed an agreement on enhanced cooperation on readmissions.
