Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held a series of meetings in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, covering Georgia’s cooperation with international organisations, relations with regional and strategic partner countries, key security issues and the country’s conflict-resolution agenda.

Kobakhidze UN Secretary-General António Guterres on September 24. The meeting focused on Georgia-UN cooperation, the UN’s role in the conflict-resolution process and the humanitarian and security situation in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. Kobakhidze thanked Guterres for the UN’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and raised the importance of the General Assembly resolution concerning internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. The two also discussed international peace and security, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.

Kobakhidze also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He congratulated Pashinyan on the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s restored independence and on his election victory, and readiness to further deepen the strategic partnership between Georgia and Armenia. The two prime ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade and economic relations, transport, culture and people-to-people contacts. Regional developments were also on the agenda, with both sides expressing readiness to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

Another meeting was held with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The two sides cooperation between Georgia and the organisation, including its support for democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. Kobakhidze reaffirmed the Georgian government’s commitment to dialogue and multilateral cooperation with the Council of Europe and expressed readiness to continue developing relations with the organisation.

Kobakhidze held separate talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The two leaders the current state of Georgia-Serbia relations and opportunities for further strengthening bilateral ties, with mutual interest in expanding cooperation between the two countries.

During his participation in the Multilateral Partnership Summit in New York, Kobakhidze Georgia’s conflict-resolution approach, referring to the continued occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and the impact on affected communities. Georgian Prime Minister identified de-occupation, reconciliation and confidence-building as elements of Georgia’s approach to a peaceful settlement.