According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavský, the Czech Republic supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

As Lipavský stated at the press conference held after the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, against the backdrop of Russian aggression in Ukraine, supporting Georgia and strengthening its defense capabilities is very important.

"Putin's terrible aggression showed us that we should provide more help to Georgia. Also, the countries that have been affected by Putin's aggression, which aspire to join the European Union. Taking this into account, we discussed the situation in occupied Abkhazia and "South Ossetia", which we consider to be an integral part of Georgia. I would like to once again express my unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Georgia. We can expect any scenario from Russia. Therefore, it is important to support Georgia, that all partners focus on Georgia's resilience and increasing its defense capabilities," said the Czech Foreign Minister.

As he noted, the Czech Republic supports Georgia's efforts towards integration into the European Union and Euro-Atlantic structures.

"Georgia must continue its efforts by implementing effective reforms, which is important in terms of fulfilling the 12-point recommendation given by the European Commission, in order for Georgia to receive candidate status. Georgia needs to make efforts to reduce the polarization in the political spectrum, to create strong democratic institutions, which is a key issue in order to fulfill the goals and get the EU candidate status. Tangible results lead to progress. Georgia and the Czech Republic have common values ​​in terms of a common vision of Europe, we wish to see peace and stability. I am waiting for the moment when Georgia will be granted EU candidate status," said Jan Lipavský.

Lipavský thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, for the warm reception in Tbilisi and said that the countries are connected by close cooperation.

"On January 4, 2023, we will mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Czech Republic. Our diplomatic relations are based on very strong ties that bring our countries closer. We should look to the future not only with optimism, but also with new ideas and new efforts that will strengthen the ties between the two countries. We will continue political relations, we also want to increase economic cooperation in the direction of investments," said Lipavský.

*The quotes in the article have been double-translated from Georgian and wordings may be inaccurate.