Tbilisi, Georgia, Dec. 9
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Georgia's President Giorgi Margvelashvili received the German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier Dec. 8 in the presidential palace.
The administration of the Georgian head of state told Trend that the sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the situation in the region, including the situation in Ukraine.
Margvelashvili and Steinmeier also discussed the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, and, in particular, the agreement on integration in a strategic partnership signed by Moscow and Sukhumi.
"I am pleased to welcome Mr. Steinmeier. Our partnership with Germany is becoming deeper and deeper, which is of primary importance, especially in the context of cooperation in Europe," Margvelashvili said.
He went on to add that Germany plays a great and important role with regard to Georgia.
"This country has for many years cooperated with us and has assisted our country's European integration," Margvelashvili added.
He also drew particular attention to security issues in the region and the difficulties that have arisen with regard to the armed conflict in Ukraine.
"The situation in Ukraine is a continuation of what happened in Georgia in 2008, and we hope that in 2015 these inveterate problems will be solved," Margvelashvili said.
"I hope this will be the year of finding solutions for the peaceful development of situation."
The Georgian president expressed satisfaction with Germany's efforts to bring peace, development and cooperation in economy, which should become a guarantor of more secure and stable Caucasus.
Margvelashvili and Steinmeier also mulled the Euro-Atlantic and European perspectives of Georgia. The president thanked the German side for its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.
Steinmeier, for his part, said Europe is in a difficult situation, which is reflected in the economic crisis that first of all hit the countries in Eastern Europe.
"We once again remain firmly committed to recognition of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and therefore the agreement between Moscow and Sukhumi is unacceptable for us," FM Steinmeier said.
"We also discussed the situation in Ukraine and expressed the hope that we can help to normalize the situation there in the coming days and weeks," he added.
Edited by SI