Georgian FM: Real partnership is built on dialogue; EU’s top diplomat’s choice to freeze ties with Georgian government is deeply regrettable

“It is deeply regrettable when the European Union’s top diplomat openly declares an intention to refuse cooperation with the Government of Georgia, which was elected by the democratic will of the Georgian people, whilst simultaneously claiming to support those very same people,” stated Maka Botchorishvili, Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in response to comments made by the EU High Representative.

“The very foundation of a true partnership is dialogue, not distancing oneself from relationships. Georgia maintains its steadfast commitment to cooperation with the European Union, built upon mutual respect and understanding, to serve the best interests of our citizens and secure our shared European future.

However, we cannot remain silent when the democratic choice of the Georgian people is ignored. Democracy means respecting the decision of the electorate, not only when it happens to be politically convenient,” Botchorishvili’s statement read.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated in Brussels ahead of the EU Foreign Ministers’ meetings: ‘We are also struggling with Georgia, as we don’t really have connections with the government. We don’t want to support the government. We want to support the people of Georgia.’