Foreign Affairs Minister Visits Washington, Brussels
Within the framework of the recent visit to Washington, Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze took part in the Global Coalition Conference, which was attended by 68 countries with the aim of agreeing on the next steps needed to defeat ISIL.
Janelidze told the Georgian edition of Voice of America that Georgia has been a member of the coalition since 2014, when it was established.
“Our participation in this coalition is a confirmation of our contribution to global and regional security,” he stated.
The minister noted that Georgia is an important partner for the international community in fighting the global challenge of terrorism, and specifically the Islamic State group, “which created a huge crisis in the civilized world, and is the biggest challenge today.”
Within the official visit, Janelidze met his Australian counterpart, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
The Georgian FM expressed his gratitude for the role Australia has played in terms of raising awareness of Georgia in the South Pacific region.
The ministers also spoke about the successful co-operation within the framework of international organizations, with the Australian side reaffirming its strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing concern over the referendum planned in Tskhinvali.
The ministers also spoke about the possibilities of developing economic co-operation between the two countries. The Georgian Foreign Minister updated his Australian colleague on Georgia’s investment and economic potential, emphasizing the importance of the country as a hub between Europe and the East. The necessity of exchanging high-level visits was noted.
Moreover, Janelidze met US Senators Tod Young and Lindsey Graham and Congressman Gerry Connolly, the latter reaffirming the support of the US House of Representatives for Georgia and praising the ongoing reform and democratization process in the country. The minister in turn thanked Congressman Connolly for his activities as Co-chair of the Georgia Caucus in the US Congress.
The diplomats paid special attention to the situation in Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. Connolly criticized Russia’s occupation of the Georgian territories and reaffirmed his strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highly evaluated Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process and pledged further support for Georgia.
The Georgian FM awarded Congressman Connolly the Presidential Order of Merit for his support for Georgia.
After completing his visit to Washington, Janelidze headed to Belgium to participate in the Brussels Annual Conference, where he delivered a speech as part of the 6th Plenary Session dedicated to Eastern Europe and Caucasus issues.
Georgia’s occupied territories, the war in Ukraine, security architecture changed by Russia, and the European choice were among the main topics of discussion. Euro-Atlantic security and challenges in the international arena were also discussed during the conference.
During the visit to Brussels, Janelidze met US Senators John McCain and Ron Johnson. The politicians positively assessed Georgian-US cooperation in various directions. It was also announced that a delegation of US Congressmen will participate in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly session scheduled for May in Tbilisi.
Thea Morrison