Georgian Foreign Minister, UK Ambassador discuss dynamics of bilateral relations

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday held a meeting with Gareth Ward, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the country.

The sides discussed the dynamics of bilateral relations between Georgia and the UK.

The Georgian Foreign Minister emphasised that recent statements and actions by representatives of both the executive and legislative branches of the UK Government - including the imposition of sanctions on Georgian citizens - had “cast a shadow” over the strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries and were often aimed at influencing Georgia’s internal political processes.

The discussions also focused on Georgia’s new legislation concerning foreign funding.

The Ambassador was informed that the process of drafting the relevant regulations under the new law was in its final stage, and all interested parties would be promptly provided with the necessary information.

While discussing recent developments in Georgia, the Foreign Minister stressed that legal processes “should not be politicised” and that attempts to influence the judiciary were unacceptable.

Regional security challenges were also discussed during the meeting. In this regard, the importance of well-functioning state institutions was highlighted as a key factor for ensuring the country’s stability and security.