Lukashenko supports Georgian Gov’t’s ‘efforts’ to ‘safeguard sovereignty’

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has voiced support for the Georgian Government’s “efforts to safeguard its statehood and sovereignty”, during a ceremony accepting credentials from Georgia’s new ambassador to Belarus, Giorgi Saganelidze.

“We highly appreciate and support Georgia’s steps to protect its statehood and sovereignty. It corresponds to our approaches, and you should do in Georgia, as you do – everything that is in the interests of the Georgian people,” Lukashenko said in Minsk.

He also emphasised the “historical ties” between the two nations, calling them a “solid foundation for the restoration of full-fledged
comprehensive cooperation.”

Relations between Belarus and Georgia have been strained since Lukashenko’s visit to the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region in 2022, where he met the region’s then de facto leader, Aslan Bzhania.
The visit prompted strong criticism from then-Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who postponed appointing a new Georgian ambassador to Belarus and condemned Lukashenko’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking after the credential ceremony, Saganelidze expressed optimism about his new role. “We understand that these are not easy times. Therefore, we need to find common ground and develop our bilateral relations in a direction that is beneficial to both countries. I think we will succeed,” he said.

Asked whether Georgia perceived a willingness from Belarus to strengthen ties, Saganelidze responded “absolutely. This is a two-way movement. It is always like this in any relationship – it is necessary to further develop relations if there is a desire on both sides.”

Lukashenko also congratulated Mikheil Kavelashvili on his election as President of Georgia, while Kavelashvili extended his congratulations on Lukashenko’s re-election.