Georgian FM Zalkaliani, President Zourabichvili Discuss Situation in Ukraine with Foreign Officials

By Khatia Bzhalava

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

“Our statements in support of Ukraine are fully backed and shared by the US,” Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani said.

“European increased support to Georgia more timely than ever,” Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili tweeted.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani met with the US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan yesterday. The meeting focused on developments in Ukrainian, as well as Georgia’s support.

The minister noted that statements of the Georgian side in support of Ukraine are fully backed and shared by the US, stressing that solidarity and support to Ukraine are crucial in these challenging times. According to the US Ambassador, they welcome the ‘strong statements’ made by Zalkaliani and MFA against Russian aggression as well as the clear support in the multilateral organizations like the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe.

Zalakliani stresses that he received unwavering support from the United States for Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Ambassador Degnan also noted that every meeting she attended in Washington stressed the strong support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path. According to her, there needs to be a clear response that Russia does not have a veto over the futures of countries like Ukraine and Georgia.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reiterated Georgia’s full solidarity with the people of Ukraine, stressing that “in these tragic times for Ukraine and for all of Europe, President Zelenskyy is an exemplary leader.” Zelenskyy has stated that he informed the President of Georgia about the current situation in Ukraine and expressed gratitude towards Georgia for the support.

Zourabichvili also discussed the matters concerning Ukraine with European leaders on Sunday. She spoke with her German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, underscoring the historical importance of EU unity and resolute German support to Ukraine facing Russian aggression.

The Georgian president also discussed the situation in Ukraine with her French counterpart. The officials expressed concern over Russian aggression against Ukraine’s sovereignty, while President Macron reiterated support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Zourabichvili is invited to pay a working visit to Paris in the coming days.