Mr. Chairperson,

The delegation of Ukraine aligned itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to make few remarks in its national capacity. 

We warmly welcome Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia H.E. Mr. David Dondua back at the Permanent Council and thank him for his insightful statement.

Recalling that this year Ukraine and Georgia celebrate the 100th anniversaries of the establishment of their first Republics as well as their diplomatic and consular relations, we reiterate our high appreciation of close, friendly and good neighbourly relationship and strategic partnership with Georgia as well as long-standing ties of true friendship between our peoples.

Today, Ukraine and Georgia stand together defending their freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as in their struggle against aggression and occupation. The Declaration on the Establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Georgia signed by the Presidents of Ukraine and Georgia on 18 July 2017 in Tbilisi defines among our main objectives the de-occupation of the Ukrainian and Georgian territories and restoration of territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders; sustainable, democratic development and economic growth; full integration of Ukraine and Georgia into the European Union and NATO.

Ten years after the Russian aggression against Georgia of 2008, Russia still occupies Abkhazia and South Ossetia/Tskhinvali regions of Georgia. The results of the 43rd round of the Geneva International Discussions, presented today by Deputy Foreign Minister Dondua, demonstrate Russia’s unwillingness to pursue a genuine conflict settlement in line with undertaken commitments and with full respect for the OSCE principles and commitments. Today’s statement of the Russian delegation has again shown that Russia uses largely the same templates for its aggression against the neighbouring sovereign states, for instigating and maintaining artificial conflicts on their territories.

Ukraine commends the new peaceful initiative of the Government of Georgia “A step towards better future” that envisages concrete steps under the Georgian policy of reconciliation and engagement for the improvement of humanitarian, social, and economic conditions of the population in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region of Georgia as well as encourages contacts, movement, and relations based on mutual interests along and across the administrative boundary lines.

I take this opportunity to reaffirm Ukraine’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

In conclusion, I wish to thank Deputy Minister Dondua for his address and wish him every success in his endeavours.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.