Minister Darchiashvili's Diplomatic Engagements in Lisbon to Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Portugal
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, July 24, 2023
During his visit to Lisbon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a significant meeting with Augusto Santos Silva, the President of the National Assembly of Portugal.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the meeting covered a wide range of topics, with a strong focus on the existing relations between Georgia and Portugal.
Particular attention was given to the cooperation between the Parliaments of both countries. The visit of Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, to Lisbon in 2022, was highlighted as a significant event, and the establishment of groups of friends in the legislatures of both nations was well-received.
The discussion also delved into Georgia's progress in the European and Euro-Atlantic integration process, with Minister Darchiashvili proudly showcasing Georgia's successful fulfillment of the 12 recommendations of the European Commission.
Minister Darchiashvili expressed his hope for Portugal's robust support in granting candidate status to Georgia, and the NATO Vilnius summit's backing for Georgia was also a topic of conversation. The challenging regional situation, particularly the Russian war in Ukraine and its implications for both the region and Europe as a whole, were addressed during the meeting.
Augusto Santos Silva received gratitude from Minister Darchiashvili for Portugal's steadfast support in upholding Georgia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and aspirations for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Additionally, during the working visit to Lisbon, Minister Darchiashvili met with Tiago Antunes, the Portuguese State Secretary for European Affairs. The discussions between the two parties encompassed various topics, with a notable focus on Georgia's integration efforts into the European Union. Minister Darchiashvili highlighted Georgia's progress in meeting the European Commission's recommendations and reaffirmed the country's commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The conversation also touched upon ongoing regional events, including challenges arising from Russia's actions in Ukraine and the importance of Western partners' support in resolving issues in Georgia's occupied regions.
