Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili Visits Portugal
Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili is currently on a working visit to Lisbon, Portugal. He has already met his Portuguese counterpart, João Gomes Cravinho, President of the Assembly of the Republic, Augusto Santos Silva, and Executive Secretary of Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Zacarias da Costa.
Meeting with Portugal’s Foreign Minister
On July 20, 2023, Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, visited his Portuguese counterpart, João Gomes Cravinho, in Lisbon.
The Ministers touched upon Georgia’s progress in European and Euro-Atlantic integration, including fulfilling the 12 conditions for candidacy set by the European Commission, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported. FM Darchiashvili expressed hope for Portugal’s support for Georgia’s EU candidacy and highlighted the significance of Portugal’s support in implementing the non-recognition policy of Georgia’s occupied provinces in Lusophone countries.
Foreign Ministry also reported, that the ministers addressed regional security challenges, particularly Russia’s war in Ukraine, and spoke about the difficult humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, underscoring the importance of partner involvement in resolving these issues.
In a conversation about cultural ties, the successful operation of the Camões Centre at Tbilisi State University was mentioned, which FM Darchiashvili said has sparked greater interest in the Portuguese language and culture among Georgian students. He also thanked his hosts for the successful restoration of the fresco of Queen Ketevan in the Graça Convent of Lisbon.
According to the release, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continue and further intensify the fruitful cooperation between Georgia and Portugal.
Meeting with the President of the Assembly of the Republic
During the visit to Lisbon, Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, met with Portugal’s President of the Assembly of the Republic, Augusto Santos Silva. The meeting covered various aspects of their bilateral relations, focusing on the cooperation between the Parliaments of bothe countries and Georgia’s progress in European and Euro-Atlantic integration, according to the press release of the Foreign Ministry of Georgia.
Darchiashvili sought strong support from Portugal for Georgia’s candidacy status in the European Union and discussed the challenging regional situation, including the Russian war in Ukraine and its impact on both the region and Europe. The release also notes, that he expressed gratitude for Portugal’s support of Georgia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its European aspirations.
Meeting with the Executive Secretary of CPLP
On July 21, 2023, Ilia Darchiashvili, met with Zacarias da Costa, the Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). They discussed the deepened cooperation between Georgia and CPLP since Georgia became an associate observer country of the organization.
The meeting highlighted CPLP member states’ support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and they addressed the humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied regions. Additionally, the parties talked about cultural and educational collaboration, with Georgia promoting Portuguese language and culture through the Camões Centre at Tbilisi State University. According to the press release of the Foreign Ministry of Georgia, both sides agreed to continue cooperation within CPLP’s framework and foster relations with its member countries.
