On 6 January 2022, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Lasha Darsalia spoke over the phone with the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Emine Japarova.
The sides discussed the tense security environment in the region, the Russian Federation’s efforts to hinder the Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia and Ukraine, the developments around Ukraine and the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia.
It was highlighted that Russia's recent attempts to maintain its influence over neighboring sovereign states through threats and ultimatums and to obstruct Georgia’s and Ukraine's NATO integration process contradict the fundamental norms and principles of international law, and undermine the security architecture of the Black Sea region and of Europe as a whole.
According to Lasha Darsalia, the Russian Federation’s steps towards the annexation of the occupied regions of Georgia and other provocative actions become even more alarming against such background. He stressed the need for Russia to fulfill its international obligations, including those under the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, as well as its commitments under the Minsk agreements.
In the light of the current situation, the sides stressed the importance of coordinated actions and agreed to continue consultations on regional security issues in the future. At the end of the conversation, the Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister thanked his Ukrainian counterpart for his unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged to continue cooperation within the Crimean platform.