Georgian Dream FM Botchorishvili Attends OSCE Ministerial in Vienna
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili is attending the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna on December 4-5. She addressed the Council and held the high-level meetings with OSCE officials and other foreign ministers.
Elina Valtonen, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finland’s Foreign Minister, who visited Tbilisi as part of her tour to the South Caucasus in October, referenced Georgia in her opening address to the Council on December 4.
“In Georgia, our commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm through the Geneva International Discussions and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism. We advanced engagement with civil society and explored water diplomacy. My visit also addressed democratic backsliding and the essential role of civil society and the freedom of people,” she said.
Botchorishvili Addresses OSCE Ministerial Council
Botchorshvili addressed the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council on December 4.
She stressed that the OSCE’s 50th anniversary carries “profound meaning” as the principles of the Helsinki Final Act – sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful dispute resolution, and respect for human rights – “remain vital to the peace, stability, and dignity of millions of people.”
Botchorishvili said these principles “are not theoretical” for Georgia. “20 percent of Georgia’s sovereign territory remains under occupation due to Russia’s ongoing military presence in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions,” she stated.
“The consequences of this occupation are severe: ethnic cleansing, brutal violations of fundamental human rights, tragic cases of torture and murder, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have lived for decades with the hope of returning home. Hybrid warfare and steps toward annexation cannot and should not be ignored by the international community,” Botchorshvili said, noting that Russia’s responsibility has been confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court.
She stressed that “Russia continues to disregard its obligation,” including the EU-mediated 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, and still bars the EU Monitoring Mission from fully carrying out its mandate or accessing the occupied regions. “Georgia’s objective is the peaceful resolution of conflict and restoration of its territorial integrity. The Geneva International Discussions remain an important mechanism toward that end.”
Botchorishvili outlined that Georgia’s peace policy is based on two pillars: de-occupation and reconciliation of communities divided by occupation lines. She thanked the international partners for “unwavering support” in defending Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed hope that the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict remains among the top priorities on the OSCE’s agenda.
“In this regard, we welcome the upcoming Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE and look forward to the visit of the Chairperson-in-Office to Georgia early next year,” she added.
Turning to regional security, Botchorishvili said Russia’s war against Ukraine has “further amplified the threats and vulnerabilities Georgia faces,” especially when Georgia “continues to stand without any collective security umbrella. In this context, stability becomes critically important for safeguarding our security.”
She voiced concerns over what she called “orchestrated disinformation campaigns and coordinated actions of certain actors directed against Georgia’s democratic institutions and processes.” She claimed that such “malign efforts” are aiming to “undermine public trust, polarize society, and weaken the foundations of the state.”
“It is regrettable that we increasingly witness attempts to misuse international organizations and institutions for such purposes, undermining their credibility and public trust. Furthermore, encouraging radicalization within the country cannot and will not contribute to regional security,” Botchorishvili claimed.
She asserted that Georgia remains “firmly committed” to strengthening stability by defending its democratic institutions and “building resilience against hybrid threats, disinformation, and any attempts to undermine our sovereignty.”
Botchorishvili also welcomed the U.S.-brokered historic peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying that “this landmark accord constitutes a pivotal milestone toward securing lasting peace in the South Caucasus and provides a solid foundation for new opportunities for the region’s long-term stability.”
“Georgia remains steadfast in advancing peace and regional cooperation and stands ready to work with all partners to uphold international law, defend sovereignty, and secure lasting peace across the South Caucasus and the OSCE region,” she concluded.
Meeting with OSCE Secretary General
Ahead of the Ministerial Council, Botchorishvili met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu on December 3.
“Minister Botchorishvili discusses the Russia-Georgia conflict and the grave security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in the occupied regions,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported, adding, “The OSCE’s engagement in the peaceful resolution of the conflict was underscored. In this regard, the importance of the Geneva International Discussions was highlighted.”
The sides also reviewed “the challenges related to Georgia’s security and stability” and emphasized “the necessity of upholding the principles of international law as essential for strengthening peace and stability in the region.”
Meeting with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
On December 3, Botchorishvili also met with OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry said the parties discussed media freedom challenges in the OSCE region, with Botchorishvili placing “particular emphasis” on what it described as “the deliberate disinformation campaigns targeting Georgia, which are aimed at undermining the country’s stability, and underscored the role of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in addressing such threats.”
“Maka Botchorishvili noted that ensuring freedom of expression and a free and pluralistic media environment is one of the main priorities of the Georgian government.”
Meeting with President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister had an exchange with Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, MFA reported on December 5.
As the Georgian MFA said, President Sampietro emphasized cooperation with Georgia and with Georgia’s parliamentary delegation to the Assembly. Botchorishvili, in turn, highlighted the “challenges facing the country, including instances of disinformation and information manipulation directed against Georgia.”
The sides reviewed the situation in Georgia, and “underscored the role of a healthy political environment in national development.”
“The discussion also focused on Georgia-EU relations, with both sides highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue.” They touched upon issues of stability and security,” the press release added.
“The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue cooperation and dialogue.”
Meeting with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister
Botchorishvili met with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Cooperation, Xavier Bettel, on December 4.
According to the Georgian MFA, the discussion focused on “the dynamics of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and prospects for further deepening ties.” The sides also discussed the Russia–Georgia conflict, regional developments, and broader security challenges.
The MFA noted that the conversation also touched on “ongoing developments in Georgia, the challenges in Georgia–EU relations, and engagement with the institutions of the European Union.”
“The importance of dialogue and continued engagement in this domain was underscored.”
Meeting with Slovakia’s Foreign Minister
Botchorshvili also met with Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, Georgia’s MFA reported on December 4.
The Georgian press release said that the sides “highlighted the close, friendly, and partnership-based relations between Georgia and Slovakia,” and the importance of strengthening political dialogue and maintaining active bilateral visits.
“The parties reviewed the prospects for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, as well as the positive agenda for collaboration within multilateral formats,” the MFA added.
The Ministers further discussed Georgia-EU relations, and Botchorishvili “expressed her gratitude for Slovakia’s support for Georgia’s European future.”
“The conversation also addressed the challenges in the dialogue with the European Union and the need for continued work in this regard,” the press release concluded.
Meeting with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister
Georgian Dream FM also held a talk with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
“The parties discussed various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, the enhancement of the bilateral legal framework, and collaboration within international organizations,” the Georgian press release said.
“The Ministers highlighted the growing significance of the Middle Corridor in connecting Asia and Europe. They also emphasized Georgia’s key role in facilitating transit traffic.”
Meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister
On December 4, Maka Botchorishvili met with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
According to the Georgian press release, FM Fidan “expressed gratitude to his Georgian counterpart for the support and efforts extended following the Turkish military aircraft crash.”
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The discussion covered ongoing regional developments and both countries’ roles in promoting stability and peace. “The Turkish side once again reaffirmed its steadfast support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
The sides reviewed trade and economic cooperation and emphasized the need to fully utilize both countries’ transit potential within the Middle Corridor. They also underscored continued effective cooperation in international organizations, according to the MFA.
The Ministers noted the ongoing high-level and sectoral ministry levels and highlighted the importance of convening the third session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Meeting with Hungary’s Foreign Minister
Botchorishvili also met with Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
According to the Georgia Foreign Ministry, the sides reviewed the issues on the Georgia-Hungary bilateral relations agenda and prospects for further deepening the dialogue.
“The discussion also focused on Georgia-EU relations, with appreciation expressed for Hungary’s steadfast support of Georgia’s priorities. The importance of Hungary’s continued political and expert support in the process of European integration was emphasized,” the press release noted.
The MFA concluded that the Ministers expressed their readiness to deepen regular dialogue and exchange views on current international issues.
Talks with Armenia’s Foreign Minister
GD FM has met with her Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry said the officials “noted with satisfaction the successful strategic partnership between Georgia and the Republic of Armenia,” and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In discussing regional developments, they emphasized the importance of lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus and highlighted Georgia’s readiness to contribute to this process. “The parties expressed their willingness to actively cooperate across various fields to develop and strengthen their bilateral relations.”
Meeting with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister
Botchorishvili also met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on December 4.
Georgian press release said that the officials discussed “the importance of trilateral regional cooperation between Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, the implementation of joint strategic projects, and the need to fully leverage the transit and transport potential of the region.”
“Emphasis was placed on the importance of the Middle Corridor and connectivity. The discussion also addressed cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan within the framework of international organizations. The parties once again reaffirmed their readiness to promote the development of the strategic partnership in line with the interests of both countries.”
Meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister
GD FM held talks with the Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić on December 5.
“The Foreign Ministers positively assessed the dynamics of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Georgia and Serbia,” the Georgian press release said. The conversation highlighted prospects for deepening economic and trade relations, exchanged views on current issues on the international agenda, and “the challenges encountered on the path toward European integration, and possible ways to address them.”
“The Ministers reaffirmed their mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Serbia.”
Other Exchanges
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister held discussions with several other foreign counterparts, including Uzbekistan‘s Bakhtiyor Saidov, Albania’s Elisa Spiropali, Malta’s Ian Borg, and Kazakhstan’s Yermek Kosherbayev.
Last updated December 5, 5:55 pm
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