James Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, visited Tbilisi, where he met with Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of civil society. James Cleverley also visited the occupation line of Tskhinvali.

According to the information of the administration of the Government of Georgia, at the meeting, the parties emphasized the high level of strategic partnership and political dialogue between Georgia and the United Kingdom and the importance of fully utilizing the potential of cooperation in various fields. Prime Minister Garibashvili noted that James Cleverley's visit to Georgia emphasizes the positive dynamics of relations between the two countries.

They drew attention to the "Wardrop Strategic Dialogue" between Georgia and the United Kingdom, which “covers the entire spectrum of cooperation between the two countries and will further strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement.”

The politicians also discussed the security environment and challenges in the region and the world. "The important role of Georgia in strengthening the security of the Black Sea region was emphasized," the statement of the government administration said.

Georgian PM thanked Cleverly for his unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity from the United Kingdom, as well as for his contribution to strengthening state institutions and democratic development.

At the joint briefing held after the face-to-face meeting, Ilia Darchiashvili said they discussed a wide range of bilateral relations and strategic cooperation based on the historical ties between the two countries.

"The visit of the Secretary of State of the United Kingdom emphasizes the common values and interests on which the existing cooperation between the two countries is based and confirms the unconditional support of Great Britain to Georgia," he said, emphasizing “Britain's efforts in the process of implementing Georgia's democratic transformation and reforms agenda, As well as in the era of hybrid threats, London's support in strengthening the country's cyber security resilience.”

"A strong and unified NATO is vital for our security in Europe and beyond its borders, and that's why a specially tailored package has been developed for Georgia in 2023," said Cleverly.

"Our bilateral defense cooperation goes beyond military cooperation and includes joint work on cyber security and the fight against disinformation," he stressed. Cleverly added, "In order to consolidate democracy and strengthen democratic institutions, I urge you to strengthen your commitments to media freedom, civil society, and the independence of the judiciary."

According to the statement of the British Embassy in Georgia, at the meeting with representatives of the non-governmental sector, the parties focused on the importance of a strong civil society and free media for the functioning of democracy.

In a conversation with "Formula" TV channel, the executive director of the non-governmental organization "International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy" (ISFED), Nino Dolidze, said that at the meeting with Cleverly, they talked "in detail" about the processes developed in Tbilisi last week, including “this Russian bill that was announced and initiated and on conscription.”

"Also, in general, in the country, on the space of civil organizations and the media, to what extent this space is being narrowed, attacks, including on organizations and persons personally," he noted and added - “he saw very well that the media and civil organizations are not on anyone's side They are and stand on the guard of the western interests of the country. That is why we are being attacked.”

Sergi Kapanadze, a representative of the non-governmental organization "Georgian Reforms Association" (GRASS), noted that all important topics were discussed at the meeting, including “the situation in the media, the attack, the case of Nika Gvaramia, and political prisoners.”

"We talked about the tools that the government uses to concentrate power, to strengthen this informal rule, and to suppress all critical voices, be it the opposition, the civil sector, or the media. Also, [we discussed] the attacks that may continue in the future, which can be seen in their rhetoric," he said.