On June 23, the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili visited Ukraine, where she met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and held a press conference with him.
“I have always been protective of our relations and today am more so. On April 23, 2020, I expressed my concern about the issues occurring in our relations,” Zurabishvili noted. “In my parliamentary speech on April 9, 2021, I stated that I did not want to end April 9, which is the day of strengthening our independence, by not mentioning the struggle of our Ukrainian friends and expressing our solidarity. I consider it a sign of solidarity today to return the Ambassador to Kyiv immediately.’ This was followed by a formal restoration of our relations, after which there were several bilateral visits by the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministers, and today our official meeting here.
“I am very grateful for this and I believe that the presidents of both countries should take care of the relations between us. Our relationship is returning to its own norm, which is based on two main principles: a centuries-old friendship between peoples, and constant, unwavering support for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
The President noted that Georgia and Ukraine are united not only by their centuries-old friendship, but also by common goals.
“This is the de-occupation of our countries and territories, the way to the European Union and NATO, the increase of bilateral and regional cooperation. De-occupation is the pain, concern, and challenge of our countries. Georgia’s challenge is de-occupation and the formation of a new strategy in this regard, de-borderization, protection of human rights. I can not but mention the conclusion of the Strasbourg court in this regard, which is a great victory for Georgia and the restoration of relations with the citizens living in the occupied territories,” Zurabishvili said.
The President noted that after the pandemic, everyone should understand that there is no other way but stabilization, de-escalation, and dialogue.
By Ketevan Skhirtladze
Source of information : 1tv.ge
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