“I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the successful cooperation, built on mutual trust and transparency, between Georgia and the European Union in recent years in preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions,” reads the letter by Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili addressed to David O’Sullivan, EU Sanctions Envoy.

The letter dated February 8, 2026, says that Georgia has confirmed many times its unwavering commitment to avoid circumventing internationally-imposed sanctions.

Maka Botchorishvili remarks that no confirmed cases of sanctions evasion, irregular shipping practices, or violations of EU restrictive measures have been observed at the Kulevi port.

“Moreover, the Georgian government has never received an official notification expressing concern or hinting at non-fulfilment of commitments. It is also noteworthy that the Kulevi Oil Terminal, which is a daughter company of the Azerbaijani State Oil Company SOCAR, is managed by Black Sea Terminal Ltd., which plays a key role in the energy corridor of the Caspian Sea basin countries. It contributes to the diversification of energy routes, strengthens the Black Sea logistics sustainability and supports the Middle Corridor wider framework. Any restrictive measures against this terminal will have a significant impact not only on Georgia but also on Azerbaijan’s energy export infrastructure, especially when energy diversification remains a key strategic priority for the European Union. On behalf of the Georgian government, I reaffirm our strong commitment to addressing the risks posed by misleading maritime practices,” reads the letter.

The Georgian Foreign Minister also states that the country strengthened cooperation in fulfilment of sanctions.

“We are convinced that Georgia’s clear position, along with our demonstrated commitment to strict implementation of EU restrictive measures, will help the European Commission revise the issue of including the Kulevi port in the sanctions list,” reads the letter.

The European Union removed the Kulevi Oil Terminal operating in Georgia from the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, David O’Sullivan, EU Sanctions Envoy, informed Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili about the decision in a letter. “I welcome your commitment that Georgia will not allow EU-sanctioned vessels to enter its ports or receive services,” reads the letter.