Georgian FM Botchorishvili Meets Ukrainian Counterpart at CoE Session in Moldova

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili attended the 135th Committee of Ministers session of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, Moldova. During the event, she held bilateral talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, marking a continued effort to normalize strained relations between Tbilisi and Kyiv. Both sides described the meeting as a follow-up to recent high-level contacts, emphasizing a commitment to pragmatic dialogue despite existing challenges. Notably, Georgia did not join 36 other nations in signing an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In her address to the committee, Botchorishvili criticized Moldovan authorities for denying accreditation to Georgian pro-government media outlets, citing concerns over selective media freedom. She also accused Western partners of applying double standards regarding Georgia’s domestic politics and highlighted Russia’s responsibility for human rights violations in Georgia’s occupied territories. The session concluded the Moldovan presidency of the Committee, handing over leadership to Monaco.