UK stands by Georgia in the face of ongoing Russian aggression

The Georgian government has published a letter from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Prime Minister Irakli Garibishvili.

Sunak’s letter is a response to the congratulations of the Prime Minister of Georgia, which Irakli Garibashvili sent to the new British Prime Minister on 26 October. In it, Sunak thanks the Prime Minister of Georgia for the congratulatory letter and expression of condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“In these difficult times, as we celebrate 30 years of the restoration of diplomatic relations, our security and defense partnership is more important than ever. I want to assure you that the United Kingdom stands by Georgia in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. We firmly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within internationally recognized borders and continue to call on Russia to withdraw recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and ensure unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to these regions of Georgia,” Rishi Sunak said in a letter.

Rishi Sunak also notes that another Wardrop Strategic Dialogue event will be held in the United Kingdom in early 2023, which will cover the entire spectrum of cooperation between the two countries and further strengthen the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which entered into force on January 1, 2021.

“I also welcome Georgia’s support for Ukraine. This illegal war has harshly reminded us of the threat Russia poses to fundamental principles of international law, including territorial integrity. The UK is unwavering, as is your support for Ukraine. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership for the prosperity, peace and security of our peoples,” the letter says.