The efforts observed from the Ukrainian side to continue dialogue are positive, and the rest will be shown by time, said Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili while speaking to journalists about Georgia–Ukraine relations during the 135th session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Moldova.

According to the minister, Georgia maintains a consistent and firm position regarding support for Ukraine.

“When we speak about support for Ukraine, Georgia has a consistent and firm position. Georgia is in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, supports international norms, and therefore supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Of course, we will always remain loyal to this position,” Bochorishvili said.

The Foreign Minister also spoke about decisions made within the Council of Europe and the attitude of some member states toward Georgia.

“The attitude of some member states toward Georgia, including EU member states, does not give us the possibility or luxury to make certain decisions that would create additional risks and threats for our country and could place Georgia in a situation of increased risks or challenges,” she said.

According to Bochorishvili, the main responsibility of the Georgian government is to maintain the country’s security, peace, and stability.

“The attitude we see today from a number of member states certainly needs reconsideration. There is a need for clarity regarding what the stance is toward Georgia and its positions, because we carry a very great responsibility toward our society — first and foremost in maintaining security, peace, and stability in Georgia,” she noted.

Bochorishvili also spoke about her meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart, saying Ukrainian steps toward dialogue are positive.

“The meeting with my Ukrainian colleague was planned during our phone conversation, and I was the initiator. It is important that the Ukrainian side also has a correct understanding of the sentiments and attitudes that exist within Georgian society regarding the steps we have seen from Ukrainian authorities in recent years. We support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, we do have questions about what the attitude we have seen toward Georgia, the Georgian government, and Georgia’s security issues was intended to achieve, which has created legitimate concerns within our society,” the minister said.

According to her, it is important that relations with Georgia be fair.

“All of this naturally requires discussion and the articulation of positions accordingly, and that is why it is important that meetings take place and that the Ukrainian side has a correct understanding of our expectations. It is important that the attitude toward Georgia be fair. Georgia’s support for Ukraine, both political and humanitarian, has been consistent over these years. We have never taken any step that would justify any dissatisfaction or criticism from the Ukrainian side. However, we have heard a lot of such criticism. Therefore, all of this needs to be properly discussed,” she said.

Bochorishvili added that Georgia will continue communication with the Ukrainian side and positively assesses efforts to maintain dialogue.

“We will continue communication. The efforts we see from the Ukrainian side to continue dialogue are positive. The rest will be shown by time in terms of how the attitude toward Georgia develops. This is decisive for us — the attitude toward Georgia, the Georgian people, and the Georgian state must be fair and based on respect; otherwise, normalization of any relationship is unimaginable,” the Foreign Minister said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.