Georgian Delegation Headed by PM Garibashvili Attends UNGA Session
On September 16, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, accompanied by the Georgian delegation, began his visit to New York, USA, to participate in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. He will address the participants of the General Assembly and hold a number of high-level bilateral meetings during his visit.
On September 18, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and his delegation attended the opening of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit. Within the framework of the Summit, the Prime Minister of Georgia delivered a speech. In his speech, Garibashvili noted that the Government of Georgia has taken effective measures to implement the 2030 Agenda and strengthen the capacity of public services to address current challenges.
Garibashvili also attended the official reception of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on September 22.
Prime Minister’s Meetings
Meeting with the UN Secretary-General
As part of the visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres. The parties discussed the “important” steps taken by the UN for sustainable development. The Prime Minister emphasized Georgia’s support for the “treaties proposed by the UN Secretary-General, which aim to better adapt the UN to current and future challenges”.
According to the press release, at the meeting Irakli Garibashvili emphasized Georgia’s appreciation of the UN Secretary General’s “A New Agenda for Peace”. The parties also discussed global security issues and challenges, the tense humanitarian and security situation in the occupied territories of Georgia.
Garibashvili also spoke about the changed international security scene caused by the war in Ukraine, the environmental problems caused by climate change, and the current situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, where the Prime Minister noted that “the reports and resolutions adopted within the framework of the United Nations are important mechanisms for keeping the grave humanitarian situation in the occupied territories on the international agenda”. He also noted the Georgian government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts and thanked António Guterres for his support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The security environment and challenges in the South Caucasus region were also discussed during the meeting. Irakli Garibashvili noted that Georgia is always ready to contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Meeting with National Security Advisor of the US
On September 21, the Prime Minister of Georgia met with Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor of the United States. The discussions revolved around the strategic partnership between Georgia and the U.S., with an emphasis on regional security concerns. Irakli Garibashvili underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts to address global challenges, according to the press release of the Prime Minister’s press service.
Additionally, Irakli Garibashvili and Jake Sullivan delved into Georgia’s European integration process. The Prime Minister stressed that this integration represents the priority of Georgia’s foreign policy, and the government’s leadership is committed to achieving this objective.
During the meeting, Irakli Garibashvili also highlighted the importance of the prompt arrival of the new U.S. Ambassador to Georgia. He expressed his approval of Robin Dunnigan’s appointment as the new ambassador and conveyed the Georgian government’s intention to engage in active and close cooperation with her to further enhance bilateral relations.
Meeting with the President of the European Council
Prime Minister Garibashvili met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, on September 19. Garibashvili briefed the President on Georgia’s progress in implementing 12 recommendations and stressed that “the government has done its best to implement the recommendations and the process continues,” according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s press office.
During the meeting, the Georgian Prime Minister emphasized that the government is working to address all 4 issues on which the EU representatives are waiting to see progress by the end of September, and he mentioned to the President of the European Council that the Chairman of the GD party held a briefing on this goal.
The Georgian Prime Minister reiterated Georgia’s leading role on the road to EU integration, noted that Georgia is committed to implementing the EU recommendations and that the country deserves to get the candidate status by the end of the year. According to the press release, Garibashvili thanked Charles Michel for his support towards Georgia’s EU integration process.
Meeting with the Senior Policy Advisor to the US Secretary of State
Prime Minister Garibashvili met with Senior Policy Advisor to the US Secretary of State Derek H. Chollet. The parties discussed the existing strategic cooperation between the United States and Georgia and regional security issues. They also expressed readiness for further cooperation between the countries.
The Prime Minister spoke about Georgia’s progress on the path of EU integration. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the war in Ukraine, which has changed the regional and global security environment, and the tensions in the South Caucasus, where the Prime Minister underlined Georgia’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Meeting with the Chancellor of Germany
Prime Minister Garibashvili met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz. The parties discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the countries and Georgia’s EU integration process. The Prime Minister expressed Georgia’s appreciation for Germany’s strong political messages in support of Georgia and the parties expressed readiness for further cooperation.
Garibashvili informed the Chancellor about Georgia’s implementation of 12 recommendations and stressed that Georgia expects a fair and correct political decision by the EU by the end of the year. “The Prime Minister stressed the importance of granting Georgia the status of a candidate country and noted that Georgia hopes for the support of the Federal Republic of Germany in this process,” – reads the release.
Meeting with the President of Turkey
On September 18, the Prime Minister held a meeting with the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan within the framework of his visit. During the meeting, the parties discussed regional security issues, achievements of the strategic partnership between the countries and prospects for future cooperation.
According to the press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Office, Garibashvili underlined the progress made in the economic and political cooperation between Turkey and Georgia and noted that the existing bilateral projects “are a clear example of effective strategic cooperation, sustainable development and reliable partnership between Georgia and Turkey, which will bring more economic independence, security and prosperity to both countries”.
The Prime Minister also thanked President Erdoğan for his country’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
According to the Turkish state news agency Anadolu, the parties also discussed the importance of implementing the Middle Corridor project. The Turkish president emphasized that the speedy implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is a top priority and thanked Georgia for its support following the major earthquakes in Turkey in February. The two leaders also stressed the importance of increasing the volume of trade between Turkey and Georgia from $3 billion to $5 billion.
BM 78’inci Genel Kurul temaslarımız kapsamında, komşumuz Gürcistan’ın Başbakanı Irakli Garibashvili ile Türkevi’nde bir araya geldik. Görüşmelerimiz ülkelerimiz için hayırlara vesile olsun. 🇹🇷🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/XqABfWHFrH
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) September 17, 2023
Meeting with the President of Czech Republic
Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, met with the President of Czech Republic Petr Pavel in New York to discuss strengthening cooperation between the countries. Garibashvili expressed appreciation for Czech Republic’s support for Georgia’s foreign policy goals, highlighting increased bilateral visits as a sign of robust political dialogue.
Garibashvili expressed hope that Czech support would aid Georgia’s European Union accession efforts. He updated President Pavel on Georgia’s progress in implementing 12 recommendations for EU integration, emphasizing the country’s readiness for candidate status.
The leaders also addressed global security challenges, with Garibashvili thanking President Pavel for his steadfast support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meeting with the President of Estonia
Georgian Prime Minister met Estonian President Alar Karis to discuss Georgia’s European integration and their long-term cooperation.
Garibashvili highlighted Georgia’s hope for Estonia’s support during this critical phase of European integration. He outlined the government’s “transparent approach” to implementing 12 priorities, with progress made in coordination with the Venice Commission and European partners. Additionally, the Prime Minister thanked Estonia for aiding Georgia in aligning its institutions with European standards.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and acknowledged positive cooperation in various fields. The meeting also addressed the situation in occupied regions, with Garibashvili thanking President Karis for Estonia’s support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within international organizations.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Malta
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with his Maltese counterpart, Prime Minister Robert Abela. The leaders discussed cooperation issues in both bilateral and multilateral contexts, along with Georgia’s progress toward European integration.
Regarding Georgia’s European integration, Georgia’s Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of Malta’s political and practical support. Garibashvili asserted that Georgia deserves candidate status. During the meeting, the Prime Ministers also outlined concrete steps to enhance trade and economic cooperation, expressing their readiness to maximize the existing potential in this regard.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg. The parties Georgia’s European Union integration progress. Garibashvili stressed the importance of Luxembourg’s support, given its status as a founding EU member, and expressed hope for continued political backing throughout Georgia’s EU accession process.
Both leaders emphasized the fruitful cooperation between Georgia and Luxembourg in bilateral, multilateral, and international organizations. Garibashvili highlighted Luxembourg’s leading role in the global open and transparent economy and expressed Georgia’s interest in deepening cooperation, particularly in business, research, logistics, and information technology.
Garibashvili briefed the Luxembourg’s Prime Minister on Georgia’s economic progress. The meeting also covered regional and global security challenges and the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Luxembourg’s Prime Minister for unwavering support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Foreign Minister’s Meetings
Meeting with the President of the 78th session UNGA
Foreign Minister Darchiashvili met with the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis. They discussed ongoing cooperation between the UN and Georgia, Georgia’s support for UN Charter principles, and its participation in UN initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals.
They also addressed Georgia’s situation in occupied regions. Darchiashvili thanked the President for support, and stressed the importance of maintaining Georgia’s UN profile, especially regarding IDP resolutions and reconciliation efforts. Both parties recognized Georgia’s commitment to regional peace and stability and expressed mutual interest in further collaboration, according to the press release of the Foreign Ministry of Georgia.
Meeting with the OSCE Secretary General
Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. The parties discussed co-operation between Georgia and the OSCE, Georgia’s “successful” participation in all three dimensions of the OSCE, as well as active co-operation with individual institutions and the Secretary General.
During the meeting, FM Darchiashvili and General Schmid also discussed the situation in the occupied regions of Georgia and the Georgian state’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, as well as the OSCE’s role in the reconciliation process. “The Minister thanked the Organization and the Secretary General for keeping the issue of Georgia at a high level within the OSCE”, – the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.
Meetings with the counterparts
Within the framework of the visit, Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Ilia Darchiashvili continues to hold meetings with his counterparts. He has already met the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Romania, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Grenada, Mongolia, Ghana, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Oman, Portugal and Peru. During the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Peru, the parties signed an agreement on free visa regime.
On September 21, Darchiashvili participated in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Transatlantic countries at the invitation of the US Secretary of State. The main topic of the meeting was the current security environment in the Transatlantic space and ways to overcome existing challenges.
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)
