Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze Participates in Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
On Tuesday, June 11, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) in Berlin alongside world leaders. The event's primary objective was to mobilize international support for the recovery, reconstruction, reforms, and modernization of Ukraine.
Kobakhidze attended the conference with a Georgian delegation that included Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili and Head of Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani.
According to the government's press center, Kobakhidze delivered a speech at the working meeting of the heads of state, chaired by German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia's steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized Georgia's readiness to contribute significantly to Ukraine's restoration efforts.
Kobakhidze highlighted several key actions that Georgia has undertaken to assist Ukraine:
Diplomatic Support: Georgia has been a proactive initiator, signatory, or supporter of over 600 resolutions, statements, joint statements, and other initiatives by international organizations and institutions in support of Ukraine.
Humanitarian Aid: More than 1,000 tons of humanitarian cargo have been sent to Ukraine, with aid from the Georgian government exceeding 35 million GEL.
Support for Ukrainian Refugees: Georgia is currently assisting 26,000 Ukrainians affected by the war, who are living in Georgia. Post-2022, Ukrainians displaced by the war receive the same financial assistance as Georgians displaced by Russian occupation.
Educational Support: Over 2,300 Ukrainian students have been integrated into Georgia's education system, with most receiving secondary education in the Ukrainian language.
Youth Camps: In the summer of 2024, Georgian youth camps will host Ukrainian children, particularly those from the families of Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard servicemen in Kharkiv and Kyiv. These children, accompanied by authorized guardians, will enjoy a safe and friendly environment in Georgia's regions.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze also addressed the issue of sanctions against Russia. He clarified that while Georgia did not introduce national sanctions against Russia following the start of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, "all relevant state agencies strictly control the sanctioned persons and cargoes".
Kobakhidze noted that the "Georgian government maintains close coordination with the European Union, Great Britain, the USA, and other states to ensure the enforcement of sanctions."
