Need to make full use of dialogue platforms main message of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák during official visit to Georgia

TBILISI, 11 February 2019 – Concluding his two-day visit to Georgia today, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák, stressed that stronger co-operation with Georgia, and a continued full commitment to the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism are high on Slovakia’s agenda as 2019 OSCE Chair.

In Georgia, Minister Lajčák welcomed the country’s dedication to reform: “I would like to commend Georgia on the steady progress it has made in strengthening democracy and good governance, as well as economic development. The OSCE stands ready to support the country in all three dimensions of security,” he stressed.

After visiting Odzisi near the administrative boundary line, Lajčák said: “This trip has given me a clearer understanding of the challenges and difficulties that people experience every day. A humanitarian approach to important questions such as freedom of movement and other topics should always be a priority.”

Handing over Slovak development assistance for a Cancer Screening Centre based in Zugdidi, Minister Lajčák expressed his belief that responding to people’s needs by partnering with local civil society organizations and conducting outreach among local communities is crucial for fast and effective support on the ground.

Accompanied by his Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Lajčák met with the political leadership in Tbilisi, including Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili; Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze; Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze; Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani; and State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili. He also held consultations with Erik Høeg, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, as well as the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, George Tsereteli.

In his discussions, Minister Lajčák reaffirmed the OSCE’s strong support to Georgia in its efforts to address internal and external challenges, and emphasized opportunities for deepening engagement.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office encouraged partners to further actively engage in the Geneva International Discussions, and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism.  Lajčák underlined that these platforms dealing with the consequences of the August 2008 conflict in Georgia remain crucial. “If we engage in dialogue with each other, we can achieve improvements for the people most affected by conflict – and we need to effectively use all platforms that can help this to continue.”