On 6 October, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Georgia, staying until 8 October. During his visit he met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze and the Patriarch of Georgian Catholics Ilia II.

At the meeting with Zourabichvili, the two Presidents spoke of the situation in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, its sectoral cooperation with Europe and the issue circular migration. “The complicated situation that arose in the summer in our occupied regions may transform into more serious tension[s] at anytime. One direction is to strengthen the existing negotiation formats, as well as other formats where other conflicts can be addressed. The second direction is the expansion of the area of the EU Monitoring Mission,” said Zourabichvili to Steinmeier.

After the meeting with Zourabichvili, Steinmeier held a press conference. “The path of independence is the unwavering will of the Georgian people leading to [the] establish[ment] [of] a democratic, free state.  Germany has been an active supporter and one of Georgia’s major partners along this way. This is a political, economic and cultural cooperation. I am very glad that I arrived in Georgia as President of Germany,” Steinmeier stated.

He especially highlighted the cultural perspective of collaboration between Georgia and Germany, in particular the Frankfurt Book Fair 2018, where Georgia enjoyed the status of Guest of Honor, as one of the best examples. He noted that the event contributed a lot to the introduction of various Georgian authors to German audiences. He added that there is a lot of information about Georgia in the German press and other media resources. “In almost all newspapers and magazines there are articles about Georgian literature, the country’s culture, as well as offers to travel to the region of Svaneti or participate in harvesting in Kakheti,” stated Steinmeier, noting that through the detailed information about the country, Georgia has become very attractive holiday location for German tourists.

The German President also spoke about his proposal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, known as the Steinmeier formula, and dismissed the media speculations (Caucasus Watch reported) that he came to Georgia to offer a similar solution. “The Steinmeier formula is an attempt to transform big steps into relatively small ones,” he said.  To the question “what influence Russia had on developing this formula and what was your involvement” Steinmeier answered that Russia had no influence at all.

At the meeting with Gakharia, the parties focused on the success of German-Georgian cooperation, as well as the potential for the enhancement of economic links in numerous sectors. “Germany’s support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration carries huge importance. Your visit confirms that Germany takes Georgia as a reliable partner,” Gakharia told Steinmeier.  Steinmeier was cited saying that Georgia is a leading country in terms of economic reforms. The two parties also discussed the situation in the occupied regions. Gakharia stated that “it is important that the western partners of Georgia raise the issue at international formats and their bilateral formats with Russia.”

The topic of Georgia’s occupied territories was also central at the meeting with Ilia II. “The violated territorial integrity remains Georgia’s most painful problem. Twenty percent of our territory has been seized by a foreign country, but I would say that this problem is a heavy burden for Russia as well. Everything must be done to solve it. We believe that Germany has so much power and authority to take an active part in this process. In my opinion, military bases should be withdrawn from occupied territories,” said Ilia II to Steinmeier. “I know that the Georgian government is looking for diplomatic ways to resolve conflicts, and of course, Russia as the other party should be involved. Such involvement is inevitable,” Steinmeier replied.

Steinmeier also visited the crossing point of Odzisi, a village located on the border to the region of Tskhinvali. Within the frames of his visiting Odzisi crossing point, the President of Germany met with the EUMM (European Union Monitoring Mission) representatives.