Georgian Foreign Minister's Diplomatic Engagements at Munich Security Conference
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, February 19, 2024
During the Munich Security Conference, Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili held meetings with Susanne Baumann, Secretary of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, and James O'Brien, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. The talks centered on Georgia's European integration, bilateral relations, and regional security.
The Foreign Minister Darchiashvili met with Susanne Baumann, the Secretary of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, during the Munich Security Conference.
Their talks primarily centered on Georgia's European integration process, highlighting the European Council's decision to grant Georgia candidate status. Minister Darchiashvili expressed gratitude for Germany's steadfast support of Georgia's European aspirations and emphasized the importance of ongoing support, particularly from Germany. The meeting also recognized the positive dynamics and strong partnership in bilateral relations between Georgia and Germany, emphasizing the value of high-level visits. Minister Darchiashvili thanked Germany for its consistent support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Darchiashvili also met with James O'Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, discussing the strategic partnership, regional security, Georgia's peace efforts, and the occupied territories. They also talked about sectoral cooperation and Mr. O'Brien's past visit to Georgia, aiming to strengthen cooperation further.
While evaluating the Georgian delegation's participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Foreign Minister Darchiashvili stated that the meetings aimed to ensure the security and prosperity of Georgia and focused on garnering support from partner and friendly nations on matters vital to Georgia's interests.
According to Darchiashvili, discussions during the conference revolved around the successful process of the country's European integration and the importance of support from leading countries of the European Union, such as Germany and France.
"It is Germany and France that are among the main powerful countries in the European Union that support Georgia. I had a very interesting meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of France; he promised me support in the process of our European integration.
Today, we will continue discussing this with our German partners and colleagues. We want France and Germany, two strong countries in the European Union, to be consistent and support our country on the path of future integration, which is complex. Although the support of these countries is very important for us," said Darchiashvili.
The Foreign Minister reported that productive meetings took place with Georgia's primary strategic partner, the US delegation, during which they discussed ways to further enhance the existing relations between the two countries.
