2017-02-03
Georgia-OSCE cooperation, including the role of the OSCE in peaceful resolution of Russia-Georgia conflict, and prospects of greater OSCE engagement, was discussed during today's meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Sebastian Kunz, the Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria, the current holder of Chairmanship of the OSCE.
The discussion involved the human rights and security situation in Georgia's occupied territories, and the efforts of the Georgian Government seeking to better the living conditions of the population along the occupation line.
The parties also discussed prospects of deeper bilateral relations and Georgia's democratic reforms. The Prime Minister emphasized the recognition of Georgia's progress in a number of directions by the OSCE and other international organizations.
Sebastian Kunz congratulated Giorgi Kvirikashvili on the European Parliament's support for visa waiver for Georgia. According to him, Georgia is a European country, and the process of visa liberalization is a clear demonstration of the progress achieved by the country in European integration. The Prime Minister of Georgia thanked Austria for its support in the successful finalization of the visa liberalization dialogue.
The meeting was attended by Gunter Bachler (Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in the South Caucasus), Arad Benko (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Austria to Georgia), and representatives of Austria's Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. The Georgian side was represented by Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Victor Dolidze, State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, Georgia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria Constantine Zaldastanishvili, and the Prime Minister's Foreign Adviser Tedo Japaridze.
Prime Minister's Press Office