Poland gave “due assessments” to Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict, future threats - Georgian President
Georgian, Polish Presidents met in Warsaw on Monday. Photo: Polish president’s press office
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Poland gave “due assessments” to the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict and its potential consequences and future threats amid a lack of “proper” international reactions in the aftermath of the war, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said on Monday at a press conference with her Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda in Warsaw.
Praising the Polish Government for its “continuous support” for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, Zourabichvili said her country could rely on Poland’s support in the process of obtaining the European Union membership candidate status.
In Poland, Georgia has seen one of its strongest and oldest supporters. In Georgia, Poland will continue to have a reliable friend in the European family.@AndrzejDuda pic.twitter.com/yC5NR1L9i6
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 5, 2022
Recalling the historical support of the Polish Government during the 1921 Soviet invasion and subsequent occupation of Georgia, and the former’s decision to accept and enroll Georgian cadets fleeing the aggression, Zourabichvili stressed “we have enjoyed your support not only over the past 30 years [since gaining the independence], but over the last two centuries”.
This is an unforgettable history of our two countries that creates our united past - and I am sure, our united future in Europe”, Zourabichvili said.
Speaking about Georgia’s European prospects and the “historic” decision of the European Council in June to grant the country a European perspective, the Georgian President noted 80 percent of her country’s population supported the country’s EU membership.
Poland has always stood by the side of Georgia. Not just in the last 30 years, but for the past 100 and more. This solidarity is what has forged our united past. And it’s what will shape a united future in Europe.
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 5, 2022
Thank you, Mr. President @AndrzejDuda pic.twitter.com/lgpAFwXfU4
The number of supporters has not changed in the last 30 years, and we will continue on this path. We know that Poland will support us in the next discussions [related to Georgia’s EU membership candidate status] as well”, Zourabichvili said and noted “as a member of the bloc, we will also be a reliable ally for Poland”.
Noting the challenges sparked by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Georgian President said “Ukraine’s fight for freedom and against aggression” had accelerated Georgia’s EU integration process, with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova applying for the bloc’s membership in March, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has praised a “historic day” for Georgia with his signing of the country’s bid for European Union membership on Thursday, saying the move “continues the efforts of our ancestors, which was aimed at unification in a common European family.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda on Monday said his country was supporting Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Georgian Ambassador to Poland Zurab Beridze on Monday highlighted the country’s “historical” and “customary” support for Georgia in remarks over Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili’s visit to the partner state.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Monday started her working visit to Poland, with the Presidential Administration announcing she would meet her Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda as part of the agenda for the official trip.
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