Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg Welcomes Georgian Counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili

AUSTRIA, July 7 - On 8 July 2022, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili for a working meeting. The two foreign ministers discussed Georgia’s European prospects and the impact of the Russian war of aggression on the country. On the occasion of this year’s 30^th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Austria and Georgia, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili also looked back on the good and friendly bilateral relations.

In his conversation with the Georgian foreign minister, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg affirmed the country’s European perspective and offered Austria’s support for the accession process. In March, Georgia submitted an application to join the EU. In mid-June, the European Commission affirmed Georgia’s membership perspective, but demanded additional reforms before candidate status could be granted.

We support the wish for Georgia to have an EU perspective. Especially in light of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, it is in our strategic interest for Georgia to be firmly anchored within the European family. It is also clear that the Georgian government must do its homework. The first reform steps are a positive signal, but it will be a long journey that requires national collaboration from all the relevant actors. The position of the European Commission provides a clear roadmap for this, and we are happy to accompany Georgia along the way,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

In addition, the two foreign ministers discussed the effects of the Russian war of aggression. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg warned about the Russian destabilisation potential that extends well beyond the borders of Ukraine, from the Western Balkans to the South Caucasus. During a war of aggression in 2008, Russia was able to split off the two regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg emphasised Austria’s complete support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

Georgia has been a priority country for the Austrian development cooperation since 2011. Austria is active in Georgia in the area of sustainable rural development, among other things. An association agreement between the EU and Georgia has been in place since 2016.