France affirms support for Georgia’s territorial integrity
By Sabina Idayatova
Georgian State Minister for European Integration Alexi Petriashvili during a working visit to France met with Minister of European Affairs Thierry Repentin, French President's advisor Paul Jean-Ortiz and President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, Elisabeth Guigou, apsny.ge website reported on May 28.
During the separate meetings, Petriashvili thanked Paris for political support provided in bilateral and multilateral formats, as well as the support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and a policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories.
Petriashvili called on the French side, considering its special relations with French-speaking countries, to continue work regarding the policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories.
The French side, in turn, confirmed its readiness to continue supporting the territorial integrity of Georgia at all levels and formats.
The French officials said that their country welcomes the steps taken by the new Georgian government towards European integration. The Georgian side's contribution to the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan was appreciated as well.
During the visit to France, meetings were held with representatives of political circles, NGOs and leading mass media of the country.
Diplomatic relations between France and Georgia were established in August 1992.
France is a member of the OSCE mission in Georgia and the UN Secretary General's Group of Friends tasked with finding a solution to the Abkhaz conflict. The regional cooperation between Georgia's Kakheti region and France's Department of Yonne has been developing successfully.
France also backs increasing the defense capabilities of Georgia. With the French assistance, a training center was opened in the Sachkhere region for military units of the Georgian Defense Ministry.