Georgian FM highlights Russian occupation threats in talks with OSCE Chair

At a joint press conference with the OSCE Chairperson and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, the Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday emphasised the severe consequences of Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, inviting Valtonen to witness the threats firsthand at the occupation line while underscoring Georgia’s commitment to peace and international cooperation.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili reaffirmed Georgia’s dedication to addressing the ongoing Russian occupation of its regions through international platforms like the OSCE.

“In the current highly complex geopolitical context, cooperation within the OSCE framework is of particular importance for Georgia. The traditional visit of the OSCE Chairperson to Georgia is a confirmation of unwavering support for our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it underscores the significance of the issue of the occupation of Georgia’s territories on the OSCE agenda”, the FM said.

She highlighted the visit’s significance in reinforcing support for Georgia’s sovereignty, discussed humanitarian and security challenges in the Russian-occupied territories, and stressed the importance of Russia adhering to the 2008 ceasefire agreement, while also noting Georgia’s role in regional stability and energy security.

“The occupation of Georgia’s regions has neither justification nor basis. The occupation has severe consequences for the security of our country and the entire region. It has grave consequences for the people who are deprived of the opportunity to exercise their rights. Tomorrow, you will visit the occupation line and personally see how visible and close the threats are that we discussed during our meeting and that the Georgian Government constantly raises within international organisations, including the OSCE”, Botchorishvili continued.

The Foreign Minister highlighted Georgia’s special role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and the relevance of connectivity, emphasising Georgia’s importance as a regional transit and logistics hub.

She further reaffirmed the Georgian Government’s readiness to continue active work within the framework of the OSCE’s independent institutions.

“We must work to ensure that there are no dividing lines or barbed wires in Georgia that separate families, communities, and our country”, she concluded.