Lasha Darsalia has participated in the Bled Strategic Forum 

On 3 September 2024, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lasha Darsalia, participated in the 19th Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia, titled "A World of Parallel Realities."

During the forum, Darsalia spoke on the panel "Europe Whole and Free: Renewed Commitment to European Security." He addressed the shared challenges facing both the European Union and Georgia in light of the complex geopolitical situation in the region. He stressed Georgia’s firm commitment to its core foreign policy goals, namely European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and highlighted the nation’s steady progress in these areas.

In his remarks, Darsalia emphasized the impact of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the resulting shifts in the security landscape. He reminded the audience that Georgia had previously faced Russian aggression and called for the international community to continue referring to the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions as "occupied territories."

Darsalia also discussed Georgia’s "Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative," emphasizing the country’s central role in maintaining regional security and stability. Additionally, he spoke about the significance of Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections and reflected on the country’s foreign policy directions and domestic political situation.

On the sidelines of the forum, Darsalia held bilateral meetings with Marko Štucin, Slovenia’s State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Peter Grk, Secretary-General of the Bled Strategic Forum. He thanked Slovenia for its steadfast support of Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European and Euro-Atlantic integration efforts.

At his meeting with Štucin, the two discussed established bilateral relations and explored future opportunities for enhancing cooperation. The discussions also covered Georgia’s European integration process, with Darsalia providing updates on the country’s progress in fulfilling its commitments to the EU.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between Georgia and Slovenia.

The Bled Strategic Forum, held annually since 2006, focuses on key European and global political issues.