OSCE Secretary General Visits Georgia Amid Concerns Over Political Legitimacy and Regional Security
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu began his official visit to Georgia on April 22, with the trip set to continue through April 24, according to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit includes meetings with ruling party officials and a planned inspection of the occupation line near Tskhinvali. No meetings with opposition representatives or civil society groups have been announced.
On April 22, Sinirlioglu met with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. In a joint press briefing following their discussion, Botchorishvili thanked the OSCE official for his visit, calling it a meaningful gesture toward strengthening OSCE-Georgia relations.
"Your visit to Georgia is an important message and step," she said, reiterating that Georgia values its membership in the OSCE and views European security and cooperation as priorities.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that the OSCE's effectiveness relies on member states upholding international law and foundational principles. She highlighted regional challenges, especially Russia's continued occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), and underscored the importance of maintaining Georgia on the OSCE agenda. She also welcomed the OSCE's role in the Geneva International Discussions and called for the resumption of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), which has been suspended since 2018.
"Georgia wants peace and stability in the region," she said, voicing support for the recent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and offering Georgia's help in regional peace efforts.
Addressing broader political concerns, Botchorishvili criticized what she described as "foreign interference" and the misuse of international institutions. She reiterated the government's trust in the OSCE, citing its role in election monitoring, and pledged cooperation to address its recommendations.
Secretary General Sinirlioglu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the OSCE's strong commitment to Georgia and regional security.
"Stability here in Georgia is vital both for its people and for the wider region's security," he said, expressing support for the IPRM mechanisms and the OSCE's involvement in conflict resolution.
"I want to reaffirm our willingness to support Georgia in addressing internal and external challenges," he added, encouraging Georgian authorities to continue engaging with the OSCE's expertise and support.
