UK-Georgian Relationship Strengthened with Wardrop Strategic Dialogue

November 8, Sir Alan Duncan MP, UK Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, visited Georgia as part of the UK-Georgian Wardrop Dialogue. He met with Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, to discuss the Strategic Dialogue of Wardrop. 

The 5th UK-Georgia Wardrop Dialogue is designed to strengthen the relations between the UK and Georgia, which are growing stronger every year. The Dialogues are named after Sir Oliver Wardrop who established UK-Georgian friendship almost 100 years ago.

The talks focused on the strategic relations between the two countries, including the bilateral trade and economic ties, Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, people-to-people relations, and ongoing reforms and challenges in the region.

Cybersecurity and Georgian sovereignty were also top of the agenda. As Sir Alan Duncan pledged support of the British government. He affirmed, “We will do whatever we can to support the peaceful resolution of these conflicts,” praising Georgia that as the country continues “to pursue peace” and “keep open the door to reconciliation.”

The projects formed as a result of the Wardrop Dialogue’s work towards improving political, defense and security, trade-economic and foreign relations. Discussions also focused on the importance of the UK Good Governance Fund in strengthening state institutions and democratic development in Georgia. The Prime Minister thanked Sir Alan Duncan for the support for national security development.

During his visit, he also met with leading Civil Society organizations in Tbilisi and laid a reef to commemorate WWI servicemen.

A reception, attended by Sir Alan Duncan and the British Ambassador Justin Mckenzie-Smith was held at the British Embassy in the evening where plans were announced for a UK cultural season named New Horizons. Taking place from September to December 2019, events such as film screenings and workshops will showcase the very best of British culture, education, business, and sport.

The 6th Wardrop Strategic Dialogue will take place in London. Sir Alan Duncan believes that the relationship between Georgia and the UK “is going to continue to grow guided indeed by this strategic dialogues.

By Amy Jones