Maka Bochorishvili: Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region remain under Russian occupation – we consider the unconditional resumption of the Gali Mechanism essential

"Two regions of Georgia—Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region—remain under Russian occupation, and Russia continues to violate Georgia’s territorial integrity. Discussions on Georgia within the OSCE framework must continue, and we must do everything possible to resolve the conflict through peaceful means," stated Maka Bochorishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a joint press conference following her meeting with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu.

She emphasized that Georgia considers the unconditional resumption of the Gali Mechanism a necessary step.

"Our meeting once again confirms how important the OSCE is for Georgia, and it highlights the Secretary General’s readiness for active cooperation—for which I once again thank him. Your visit to Georgia sends an important message and represents a significant step. Georgia is a participating country in the OSCE, for whom the organization’s commitment to European security and cooperation is especially relevant and important.

On the 50th anniversary of the OSCE's founding, we strongly believe that the organization must have the capacity to work for Europe’s security. To that end, OSCE member states must remain committed to international law and the principles on which this organization is based.

Today we discussed the situation in the region and reviewed the challenges facing Georgia. Two regions—Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region—remain under Russian occupation, and Georgia’s territorial integrity continues to be violated by Russia. You will have the opportunity to visit the occupation line yourself, to witness the barbed wire fences cutting through the heart of the country, and to learn about the dire humanitarian consequences of the occupation.

Discussions on Georgia must continue within the OSCE, and we must do everything to resolve the conflict peacefully. We value the OSCE’s involvement in the Geneva International Discussions and attach great importance to the effective functioning of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs). Therefore, we consider the unconditional resumption of the Gali IPRM to be essential.

Furthermore, it is critically important to ensure international access to human rights and security mechanisms in the occupied territories. Georgia desires peace and stability in the region. Accordingly, I once again emphasize the Georgian government's commitment to a peaceful policy. I also want to highlight Georgia’s sincere desire to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

We welcome the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and affirm that Georgia stands ready to contribute to the consolidation of peace and cooperation in the region. I am pleased that last week, Tbilisi hosted a trilateral meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. It marked the first-ever meeting between the foreign ministries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in Tbilisi, and I hope this format will enable cooperation for the benefit of the region.

Georgia places great importance on regional cooperation, especially in implementing projects that aim to better showcase our role, harness our capabilities and potential, and support economic development. In this regard, cooperation within the OSCE framework with our partners is of great importance to us," Bochorishvili said.