Following his meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the Chancellery, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Germany supported Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders. He also pointed out that Georgia had painful experience with Russian aggression, as parts of the Georgian territory were under Russian control.

In the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the Federal Chancellor said: “We appreciate Georgia's support for the resolution of the United Nations that condemns Russia’s war of aggression.” Georgia's clear commitment to prevent any attempts to avoid sanctions against Russia was just as important, he stressed.

Germany is seeking to further expand cooperation with Georgia with regard to energy policy, also in the light of the Russian war of aggression. New resources for development in the energy sector will be made available in 2022, including for issues of energy security.

Encouraging reform

Federal Chancellor Scholz encouraged Georgia to take the necessary reform steps. The European Council had agreed this summer to open up the prospect of EU membership to Georgia. Scholz said that the EU Commission’s recommendations would point the way towards candidate status. “I am very much aware that this requires joint efforts of all political forces nationwide. This is why I can promise: Germany will assist Georgia in this endeavour,” the Federal Chancellor said.

In its statement regarding Georgia’s application to join the European Union, the European Commission indicated the need for reforms. It therefore recommended that Georgia should only be granted candidate status after these reforms have been implemented. The European Council adopted this recommendation. In its conclusions drawn in June, it also put on record that Georgia, too, had a future in the European Union.

30 years of diplomatic relations

Diplomatic relations between Germany and Georgia have existed for 30 years. The two countries’ bilateral relations are close and diverse, covering the areas of business, the environment, energy and culture. Georgia plays an important role as a bilateral partner in development cooperation.

On 13 September 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock and her Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili signed a new cultural agreement in Berlin. The agreement is designed to facilitate activities that make the language, culture, literature and history of the respective countries accessible.