Issues related to occupation, regional development and the role of Georgia in a wider Black Sea region were key topics discussed by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia and MP Wendy Morton, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for European Neighborhood and the Americas at a meeting today.

The Head of Government of Georgia spoke about the harsh humanitarian situation witnessed at the occupied territories of Georgia, provocative actions demonstrated by the occupying power, including the detention of local residents in the vicinity of the occupation line. Atrocious confinement of Zaza Gakheladze, citizen of Georgia by Russian occupation forces and his unlawful sentencing by the de-facto court of Tskhinvali was stressed within this context.

Focus was made at the meeting on the role of Georgia within a wider Black Sea region and special importance of British support towards this end. Discussions were also related to the need for further deepening of the bilateral cooperation between Georgia and the UK at the post-BREXIT phase. Interaction between the UK and Georgia has been praised in areas like cyber security and fight against the hybrid threats.

Challenges arising from the pandemic were also noted at the meeting. The Prime Minister of Georgia highlighted the role of the UK in ensuring the global accessibility to the vaccines.

The Head of Government of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the British dignitary for visiting the country and noted the significance of a more active engagement of the UK, especially by taking into account the developments in the region.

After her meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for European Neighborhood and the Americas accompanied by the Head of Government Administration visited the National Centre of Crisis Management established with British support.