Maka Botchorishvili has spoken over the phone with the UK FCDO Minister of State

On 16 December 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, held a
phone conversation with the UK FCDO Minister of State for Europe, North America, and
Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty.

The ministers reviewed recent developments in Georgia and the dynamics of relations between
the two countries. The UK Minister of State reiterated the UK’s position and expressed concern
over the ongoing processes in Georgia. For her part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
provided the State Minister with information on the issues raised during the conversation and
expressed regret over the decisions made by the UK regarding Georgia, including the
postponement of the next round of the Strategic Dialogue format and the suspension of programme support for the country. The minister emphasized the importance of cooperation
within the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue format and expressed hope that regular meetings will
resume in the near future.

Maka Botchorishvili emphasized that it is particularly important to have an objective and
impartial assessment of the ongoing processes in Georgia. She also discussed the parliamentary
elections held in Georgia, their outcomes, and the political speculations that continue,
particularly from the opposition. The conversation also addressed the ongoing protests in the
country, during which the necessity of conducting demonstrations peacefully and in accordance
with the law was reiterated. The Georgian side provided the British side with information on the
state's response to law violations during the protests.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia once again reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to its
European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. She also highlighted Georgia’s role as a close and
reliable partner in the region, a role that has been repeatedly confirmed in recent years. Given the
recent developments, attention was drawn to the necessity of dialogue between the Georgian
government and its Western partners on important issues.