On March 16, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly arrived in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. Deputy Foreign Minister Teimuraz Janjalia welcomed him at Tbilisi International Airport.

At the briefing held after the meeting with Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on March 17, James Cleverly stated, "We welcome Georgia's principled support to our common friend, Ukraine, both about the sanctions against Russia and in admitting many Ukrainian refugees who were forced to leave their families due to Russian aggression, said the Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom."

He expressed his full support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and called on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. "Russia's invasion of Georgia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia in 2008 caused very deep human suffering, divided the country, divided families, and restricted access to ancestral lands and sacred religious sites. We continue to support your sovereignty and territorial integrity. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are an integral part of Georgia. We call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. We welcome Georgia's principled support for our common friend, Ukraine, both about sanctions against Russia and in admitting many Ukrainian refugees who were forced to leave their families due to Russian aggression," Cleverly said.

While discussing Georgia's decision to join the European Union, James Cleverley said that much like in Ukraine, the people of Georgia have the right to select their own future and destiny, irrespective of foreign meddling. "This right must be protected. That is why we are working very closely with you to strengthen your resilience against Russian interference," the UK Foreign Secretary said.

According to him, Britain is and will remain a firm friend of Georgia. "A strong and united NATO is vital to our security in Europe and beyond. That is why a specially tailored package has been developed for Georgia in 2023. In 2023, the British Embassy will act as the NATO contact person in Georgia, together with the Romanian Embassy. Our bilateral defense cooperation goes beyond military cooperation and includes joint work on cyber security and countering disinformation. Georgia has taken huge steps in terms of improving democracy after the historic visit of Margaret Thatcher. 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. We are and will remain a firm and steadfast friend of Georgia. I am glad to be in Tbilisi today. I expect that our relationship will be strengthened to an even higher level in the future," James Cleverly said.