Council of Europe chief visits Georgia to reinforce cooperation, support European ambitions

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia, for an official visit, where he was welcomed at the airport by Lasha Darsali, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

During his stay, Berset is scheduled to hold meetings with Georgia's newly elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The discussions are expected to focus on the country's political situation, with Georgian media reporting that this will be a key topic during talks.

In addition to his political meetings, Berset will visit a border village to gain first-hand insight into the current situation in the region. The official visit is set to conclude on December 21.

The Secretary General is joined by the Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, along with the Director General for Democracy and Human Dignity. 

Thus, the purpose of the visit is to ensure the continuation of cooperation between the Council of Europe and Georgia, in full alignment with the Organization's values and principles. 

The Secretary General welcomes the release of Nika Gvaramia and Aleko Elisashvili on December 16, and plans to meet with other opposition members and civil society representatives.

He also reiterates his support for Georgia's European ambitions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev