Maka Botchorishvili to the OSCE Chairperson: You Will Visit the Occupation Line and Witness Firsthand the visibility of the Threats the Georgian Government Has Been Highlighting

“In the current highly complex geopolitical context, cooperation with the OSCE holds particular importance for Georgia. The traditional visit of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to Georgia is a demonstration of unwavering support for our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a reaffirmation of the importance of keeping the issue of the occupation of Georgia’s territories on the OSCE’s agenda,” stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, at a joint press conference following her meeting with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Elina Valtonen.

According to Minister Botchorishvili, the parties discussed the dire security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, which are occupied by the Russian Federation.

“The occupation of Georgia’s regions is neither justified nor legitimate. It has grave implications for the security of our country and of the entire region. It has devastating consequences for the people who are deprived of the opportunity to exercise their fundamental rights. Tomorrow you will visit the occupation line and see for yourself how visible and how close the threats are - the very threats we discussed during today’s meeting and which the Georgian Government constantly brings to the attention of the international community, including within the OSCE,” said the Georgian Foreign Minister.

Minister Botchorishvili underlined that a consolidated approach by the international community and Georgia’s partner countries is a crucial tool for addressing existing challenges and ensuring sustainable peace and security.

“The principal driving force of the Georgian Government is the pursuit of peace and stability. In this endeavor, the support of our international partners is of great significance,” she noted.

The Minister emphasized the necessity for Russia to fully implement the EU-mediated Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008 and stressed the importance of the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees. She noted that violations of international law, infringements on sovereignty, and actions aimed at annexation must not be left unnoticed by the international community. The sides also discussed the Geneva International Discussions as an essential format, in which the OSCE plays an important role.

Speaking about ongoing developments in the region and the South Caucasus, Minister Botchorishvili underscored the importance of peace and stability, reaffirming Georgia’s continued readiness to contribute to the promotion of good-neighborly relations and sustainable peace among countries of the region.

Minister Botchorishvili also highlighted Georgia’s special role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and underlined the country’s growing importance in regional connectivity, emphasizing Georgia’s function as a transit and logistical hub.

“The potential that exists in various areas - whether in trade and economic cooperation or in infrastructure projects - further demonstrates the strategic importance of our region,” the Minister stated.

Finally, the Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to continue active cooperation within the framework of the OSCE’s independent institutions.

“We must work to ensure that there are no dividing lines or barbed wire fences in Georgia - barriers that separate families, communities, and our country,” emphasized Maka Botchorishvili.

At the conclusion of the press conference, a Q&A session was held, during which both ministers answered questions from journalists.

It is noteworthy that this marks the first visit of the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs to Georgia. Within the framework of the visit, Elina Valtonen will also meet with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and visit the occupation line to observe the situation on the ground.