Georgian PM to condemn Russian aggression at Crimea Platform Forum in Kyiv today

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili will condemn the occupation of Georgian and Ukrainian territories by Russia at a Crimea Platform Forum in Kyiv today, where, along with more than 40 foreign leaders, he will participate in drafting a resolution to concentrate the international attention on Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine and the region. 

The forum, which had been initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aims to ensure the peaceful de-occupation of the Ukrainian lands with the support of the international community. 

Garibashvili, who visited Ukraine on August 21, stated at the meeting with Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal yesterday that the issue of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions will also be raised at the forum. 

He stated that Russia’s actions in both Ukraine and Georgia ‘are alarming and are the topic of an international concern.’ 

Garibashvili also said that Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova should take further steps to prove they deserve the membership of the EU and NATO. 

He stated that the trade turnover between Georgia and Ukraine has increased by 32 per cent and the counties have plans to boost the figure to one billion USD. 

“Georgia and Ukraine have also exchanged Covid-19 certificates which will ease travel between the countries,” Garibashvili said, adding that the inflow of Ukrainian tourists has been increased by 70 per cent. 

Shmyhal stated that Ukraine ‘appreciates Georgia’s continued support against Russian aggression much’ and that his country is interested to intensify cooperation in the railway field with Georgia. 

Along with defence and security issues, at the meetings with both Shmyhal and Zelensky, ways have been discussed how to hasten Georgia’s and Ukraine/s Euro-Atlantic integration. 

Garibashvili also met with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Dmytro Razumov, where officials agreed to intensify cooperation in the legislative direction. 

Garibashvili is scheduled to complete his visit to Ukraine later today, after the Crimea Platform Forum.