UK-Georgia Wardrop Strategic Dialogue 2019: joint statement
Published 21 October 2019
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The Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Mr Christopher Pincher MP, and His Excellency Mr David Zalkaliani, Foreign Minister of Georgia, met in London on 21 October 2019 in the framework of the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue.
This Ministerial meeting followed the signature of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the United Kingdom and Georgia, which affirms the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship. This agreement provides a framework for future increased co-operation in foreign, political and security matters, and will ensure that the UK and Georgia continue to enjoy comprehensive access to each other’s markets and liberalisation for trade in goods and services as the UK exits the European Union.
Both sides emphasised the importance attached to their shared history, close and expanding bilateral links and their active partnership on international issues of mutual interest. For its part the UK recognised the significant progress Georgia has made in realising its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, including towards NATO membership. Both sides expressed concern over Russia’s illegal military presence and steps towards de-facto annexation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. For its part, the UK confirmed its commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and of pursuing a firm non-recognition policy, and highlighted the importance of peace and security in Georgia including the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, and reconciliation and confidence building between the communities divided by the conflict.
Both sides reflected on the friendship between the two countries, demonstrated by the success of the UK Season taking place in Georgia this autumn showcasing the best that modern, diverse global Britain has to offer including in culture, sport, education and business. Both sides highlighted the forthcoming Georgian Season in the UK in 2020, presenting the best of Georgia’s rich cultural traditions and its contemporary creative potential. The Ministerial discussion concluded with agreement from both sides on the importance of the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue and its continuation as a forum to take stock of progress on issues that are important to both countries. The Ministers looked forward to the 6th round of the Strategic Dialogue, which will take place in London in 2020.