Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Visits Village of Odzi Near Occupation Line
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, August 25, 2023
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib, visited the village of Odzi, located near the occupation line.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, the representative of Georgia in the European Union, and the representative of the State Security Service briefed the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs about the dire humanitarian situation on the ground.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium emphasized that the European Union plays a role in maintaining the stability of the region, and Belgium is actively engaged in this process.
Hadja Lahbib stated that the purpose of her visit to Georgia is to engage in discussions on how to provide more effective assistance to the country as it progresses towards European Union membership.
"This visit is of significant scope and importance. From the meetings I have already conducted, including those with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and at the Office of the Public Defender, it is evident that there exists a robust and sincere aspiration for Georgia to become a member of the European Union. As such, this desire should materialize in accordance with the European Commission's report and the forthcoming decision set to be published on December 30. Our presence here holds importance as we deliberate on opportunities, assess progress, and consider ways to provide continued assistance to the country," Lahbib stated.
"We need to strengthen the ties and reinforce the expressed desire to join. It is imperative that we ensure this sentiment is heard, and upon our return to Brussels, we will actively communicate it. It's crucial to consider the geostrategic fragility of this region, where borders have remained unrecognized for decades. The European Union plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability in the region, and Belgium is deeply involved in this process," stressed Lahbib.
As per Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, the relations between Georgia and Belgium are dynamic.
"The fact that our relations have recently grown even stronger holds considerable significance. This is substantiated by a series of high-level visits at both executive and legislative tiers. Just a few months ago, the Prime Minister of Georgia visited Belgium, and now the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium is conducting an official visit to Georgia. Naturally, such forms of communication and dynamics contribute to the further enhancement of bilateral cooperation, as well as the intensification of collaboration within international organizations," stated Makharoblishvili.
