Georgian, UK diplomats discuss economic, security partnership at annual Wardrop Strategic Dialogue

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Georgian and British foreign ministers on Thursday discussed bilateral economic and security partnership at the 8th Wardrop Strategic Dialogue, the annual high-level talks between the two countries, in London.

“At the bilateral meeting, the ministers confirmed their support for strategic partnership and intensive bilateral and multilateral cooperation in all fields and welcomed the agreement on strategic cooperation between Georgia and the UK,” a statement by the Georgian Foreign Ministry read.

It said current issues of bilateral relations were reviewed, and the UK expressed its “strong support” for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

Special attention was also paid to the trade and economic partnership between Tbilisi and London, taking into account the “growing transit and economic role of Georgia,” the statement added.

“The possibility of the UK’s business circles being interested in investments in Georgia was noted,” the press release said, adding that Darchiashvili also informed UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly of regional and international projects that increase the role of Georgia in terms of transit and energy security.

Meanwhile, a statement by the British foreign office said "the UK reiterated its commitment to the security and stability of Georgia today as the country faces increasing Russian aggression."

Cleverly welcomed Georgia’s support in the fight against Russia's "illegal" war on Ukraine by "providing vital humanitarian aid, including providing power generators and supporting refugees forced to flee their homes."

"Few understand the reality of Russian aggression better than the people of Georgia," the UK foreign secretary said. "Today I reiterated that the UK stands with our Georgian friends, and will continue our leading role in supporting them to counter hybrid threats they continue to face from Russia."